by Qirat Mirza 3 September 2023
Peace in Pakistan is linked with Peace and stability in Afghanistan. However, it would be wrong to renounce that Pakistan’s efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan always put its security and stability at stake. Despite having historical, ethnic and cultural linkages both countries failed to have confederation in relations. Afghanistan was the first country who opposed Pakistan’s membership in United Nations. One of the major contentions between Pakistan and Afghanistan is Afghanistan’s Pushtoonisation ideology which involves its never-ending refusal to accept the Durand line as an international border and its claims on some areas of Pakistan. Whenever efforts are put in for negotiations between both countries all went into the vain. It is because past governments in Afghanistan have always accused Pakistan for abetting the Taliban and Islamabad accused them of providing land to India pervading terrorism in Baluchistan.
Neither the foreign invasion in Afghanistan namely USA and Soviet Union, nor the Taliban era has been in favor of Pakistan in the way it was expected. Pakistan had greater repercussions of soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Faced with the spread of communism and Soviet influence in neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan devised a dual-front strategy. Pakistan engaged the negotiation process diplomatically by participating in the Geneva Accords, a series of multinational talks aimed at resolving the Afghan conflict. This diplomatic effort demonstrated Pakistan’s determination to find a peaceful settlement to the problem. Simultaneously, Pakistan enabled the training and deployment of mujahedeen fighters to oppose Afghanistan’s communist-led government. However, When the Soviet Union eventually left Afghanistan, leaving a power vacuum; the situation took an unexpected turn. After achieving its goal of combating Soviet influence, the US curtailed its involvement in the region. The aftermath of the Soviet retreat presented unexpected challenges for Pakistan. The spread of extremism and terrorism in Afghanistan began to spread into Pakistan. The very militants who were formerly supported in their battle against Soviet forces began to target Pakistani territory, resulting in an increase in terrorism and militancy. This constituted a serious danger to Pakistan’s security and stability.
Similarly, when USA invaded Afghanistan, Pakistan recurrently faced those issues which he fiercely faced at the time of Soviet invasion. The fall of the Taliban administration and the start of the War on Terror led in a massive migration of Afghan refugees into Pakistan. This migration put a burden on Pakistan’s resources and infrastructure as it struggled to meet the fundamental requirements of these displaced people. In addition, Pakistan was confronted with a delicate regional dynamic involving India’s participation in Afghanistan. The Indian government’s engagement in Afghanistan, particularly suspected support for groups opposed to Pakistan in the Baluchistan area, added to Pakistan’s security concerns. This dynamic exacerbated Pakistan’s security issues, notably in its western border regions.
When the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 1996, it led to unforeseen challenges to Pakistan. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to encourage the Taliban regime to act against Al Qaeda’s growing threat, the Taliban refused to cooperate with Pakistan’s demands. Forward to 2021, when the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan following a period of US involvement and disengagement. The increase of terrorism within Pakistan’s borders following the Taliban’s return to power was especially worrying. The Taliban’s reluctance to address Pakistan concerns regarding the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks in Pakistan, diminished hope for bilateral relations .Rather than taking severe action against the TTP, the Taliban asked Pakistan to negotiate with TTP and that Pakistan needs to resolve his issues by himself.
Hence, it has been substantiated that any leadership in Afghanistan has not espoused the Durand Line as an International border. The geostrategic location of Pakistan has benefitted him but led to more costly sabotage to him. Though Pakistan urges to build peaceful and friendly relations with Afghanistan but Afghanistan’s claim on KPK and Baluchistan areas is a threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity which Pakistan will not endorse at any cost. Afghanistan is the route through which Pakistan reaches Central Asia. However, Pakistan has fenced its porous border with Afghanistan but the catastrophe at Pak- Afghan border is more than in Pak India border .The land of Pakistan has been exploited by all the major powers for their core interest namely their interest in Afghanistan . This is due to the defaults in Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions. It is apparent from its decision of alignment with USA in War on Terror and providing basis to him to launch attacks in Afghanistan through land of Pakistan which led to heavy cost for Pakistan. Instead of developing an emotional stance, Pakistan should develop interest-centered foreign policy involving nonalignment towards every country.
Unless and until, Pakistan’s efforts for bringing stability is Afghanistan are endorsed, and the Afghan Taliban negotiate with Pakistan on the issue of the Durand line and stop providing heaven to TTP militants, it’s unfeasible to bring confederation between the two countries.