From friendship to estrangement: the changing trajectory of Pak-Afghan ties

The historical highs and lows of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, border tensions, and steps to rebuild ties for peace

Those once united by shared culture, geography, history, and religion are now walking on thin ice. Former allies in tackling a common adversary, Afghanistan and Pakistan are gradually drifting apart. Two neighbouring nations are now charting separate courses. Mistrust, border disputes, fencing, and sporadic armed skirmishes have placed them in a contentious zone. This exemplifies how geopolitics reshapes relations between states. However, hopes for renewed amity remain strong, requiring serious diplomatic efforts from both sides.

Since Pakistan’s independence, its relations with Afghanistan have experienced both highs and lows, but their mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement have never reached a point of complete severance. Their relations began with contention; in 1947, when Pakistan was founded, Afghanistan refused to recognise it as a member of the United Nations. Additionally, the contested Durand Line drawn by colonial powers, the Pashtunistan issue, political confrontations, media propaganda, refugee crises, and periodic border tensions have all played a role in shaping their interactions. Despite these challenges, diplomatic ties have persisted, reflecting the complexities and resilience of their relationship.

Relations eased in 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Pakistan, along with Saudi Arabia and the United States, supported Afghanistan against the invaders. Notably, Pakistan trained Mujahedeen and provided logistical support, enabling them to counter Soviet forces. Pakistan also hosted millions of Afghan refugees. Its role in resisting the USSR has been widely appreciated globally.

Despite this, non-congenial sentiments have emerged between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both countries have accused each other: Afghans perceive Pakistan as meddling in their internal affairs and imposing conflict on them, while Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of colluding with India and providing safe havens to anti-Pakistan militants. These historical occurrences have strained their friendship. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have generally remained stable, with the exception of a brief severance from 1961 to 1963 due to Afghanistan’s support for armed separatist movements in Pakistan. However, ties were eventually restored, marked by high-profile meetings, delegations, and ongoing cross-border trade.

Although Pakistan and Afghanistan have cooperated in the past, particularly during the Soviet invasion, their relationship has frequently been marred by mistrust and conflicting interests. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, tensions have intensified.

On 15th August 2021, when the Taliban assumed control, their relations with Pakistan were expected to improve. However, a surge in terrorist attacks dashed these hopes. Reports indicate that terrorist incidents in Pakistan rose by 28% in 2024, with most attributed to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose leadership resides primarily in Afghanistan. Furthermore, a 2023 UN Security Council report revealed that the Taliban’s resurgence has strengthened the TTP, resulting in the highest levels of cross-border terrorism in Pakistan in eight years. This underscores the growing complexity of Pak-Afghan relations in the post-Taliban era.

Firstly, addressing the Taliban’s rigid behaviour and ongoing support for the TTP requires more than just diplomatic engagement. Understanding their underlying grievances and motivations is crucial. What do they seek? Why has their behaviour shifted so drastically? To address these questions, Pakistan must promote open communication channels and seek common ground. Establishing dialogue can help mitigate misunderstandings and pave the way for joint efforts to combat mutual threats, such as extremism and cross-border terrorism, which affect both nations.

Secondly, reconciliation can be facilitated through soft power initiatives in areas where mistrust often obscures shared history. Engaging religious scholars from both countries could foster discourse based on shared values, promoting coordination and understanding. Religious diplomacy can strengthen communal ties and counter extremist ideologies. Similarly, sports diplomacy, particularly cricket, can reduce tensions, especially among the youth. Cricket, a passion in both nations, can serve as an effective tool for fostering peace and understanding. Hosting cricket matches, competitions, and cultural exchanges can improve public perceptions on both sides of the border and create opportunities for closer interpersonal connections.

Reopening borders for trade is another critical step towards economic stability and fostering mutual trust. Increased trade can alleviate poverty, promote stable economic growth, and create job opportunities on both sides. This move would also benefit families divided by the border, especially Pashtuns with cross-border familial ties that have suffered greatly.

Additionally, the gradual return of Afghan refugees should be handled humanely by Pakistan. With a well-orchestrated strategy carried out with patience and respect, their reintegration into Afghan society can be facilitated while maintaining friendly bilateral relations.

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan face common challenges, such as persistent terrorism threats from groups like the TTP and ISKP. Conflicts exacerbate high unemployment and poverty, making economic stability precarious. Political instability in both countries, marked by shifting alliances and governance challenges, further hampers peace and progress. Continuous cooperation and frequent communication are essential to address these shared issues.

Pakistan and Afghanistan stand at a crossroads, where mistrust and cross-border tensions threaten to overshadow their shared history, culture, and religion. However, by adopting strategic measures such as engaging religious scholars, promoting sports diplomacy, and implementing humane refugee policies, these long-time allies can rebuild their relationship. Recognising their mutual interests, interdependence, and geostrategic significance is key to forging a path towards peace and prosperity for both nations.