From Cooperation to Conflict: Key Challenges shaping Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

Abstract

The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have shifted radically from cautious cooperation to protected confrontation especially after the Taliban reasserted their power in Afghanistan in August, 2021. Even with strong historical, ethnic and cultural interconnections, the bilateral relations are currently characterized by growing lack of trust, cross border terrorism, narcotics production, diplomatic breakdown, having close relation with India and economic disruption. This study focuses on the changing nature of the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the lens of major security, political, economy and humanitarian issues that are defining the current stage of their interaction. A mixed-method design, which involved both the analysis of empirical data on terrorism, trade, narcotics trafficking, and refugee flows, and the use of qualitative research of the policy documents and official statements, the study can identify the key factor in worsening the relationships the resurgence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its central role in this cross-border militancy. It also examines the consequences of border conflict and lack of resolutions, informal networks of trade and smuggling, mass deportation of the Afghans and how Afghanistan is increasingly engaged in more diplomatic activities with India. The analysis indicates that militarized reactions and reactive policies have not led to sustainable stability on the contrary they have intensified insecurity in the region and human suffering. The study suggests that unless the counter-terrorism is coordinated, systematic economic interaction and legitimate diplomatic processes, then the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be reduced to the same cycle of wars, which are threatening regional peace and security in South and Central Asia.