KIPS NOTES

PAK-AFGHAN RELATION:
Scanned by: Rana Ahmed
Typed By: Syed Ali Ijlal Hussain

Introduction:
Afghanistan is one of the most important countries in Pakistans foreign
policy. Geographical contingency, shared faith and mutual interest are
the main factors driving Pakistans approach towards Afghanistan. It is
the location at the gross roads of south and central Asia further adds to
its importance for Pakistan. Since its independence Pakistan has been
aspiring for friendly cordial and mutually beneficial relations with
Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan non-cooperative attitude prompted
by the internal and external vested interest particularly in the wake of
cold war perverted their full development. Pakistan had to remain
prepared for the new situation on ethnicity and faith. Relations
between Pakistan and Afghanistan had never been smooth. With the
sole exception four years of the Taliban rule over Afghanistan,
successive governments in Kabul have displayed varying degree of
dissatisfaction towards Islamabad. While the principal historical cause
of this dissatisfaction has been the unresolved issue of the Durand line,
tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also emanated from
their divergent strategic outlooks and dissimilar national ethos.
There is no country that wants peace and stability in Afghanistan more
than Pakistan and a no country stood to suffer from the instability in
Afghanistan more than Pakistan. Also the absence of an effective state
authority is responsible for the cross boarder traffic in arms and
narcotics threatening the security of Pakistan citizens and the state.
Without going into too much of the past it is relevant to have a look to
at some of the facts of the soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Taliban
regime, post September 11 scenario, security contents and Pak-afghan
relations. This is going to help analyze the present situation to
recommend certain policy options for Pakistan subsequently.
Beginning of Relation -1947:
At the time of Pakistan independence in 1947, Afghanistan was under
the influence of USSRA, and India. Though it adopted an anti-Pakistan
policy from the beginning and opposed Pakistan s membership of UNO,
It also supported pakhtoonistan issue which was the invention of red
shirt leader khan Abdul Ghaffar khan. Moreover Afghanistan refuses to
consider the establishment of Durand line and started demanding the

redrawing of Durand line and Pakistan -afghan borders. As a result

Pakistan faced a lot of problems which emanated across the Durand
line. However, leadership of Pakistan shows a lot of patience and did
not allow the situation to explode into incontrollable proportions.
Afghanistan Support to Pakhtoonistan Stunt:
Abdul Ghaffar khan started the pakhtoonistan stunt at the connivance
of India, USSR and Afghanistan after the inception of Pakistan in 1947.
Afghanistan leaders like king Zahir shah and Sardar Daud khan
extended full moral and financial support to Ghaffar khan to keep this
issue alive. Afghanistan role in Pakhtoonistans stunt created a lot of
bad blood between Afghanistan and Pakistan and bitterness continued
for decades.
In 1949 afghan government vehemently protested on Pakistan
governor generals statement that north western tribal area in frontier
are a part of Pakistan. But Pakistan leadership, very wisely avoided
confrontation. However, Afghanistan started a propaganda campaign.
In this wake and put all efforts to rise tribal population in rebellion
against Pakistan. Afghanistan even demanded that tribal people should
be given a right of plebiscite to decide whether they want to join
Pakistan or not. When in 1955, Pakistan establishes one unit,
Afghanistan launched a great protest and Pakistan embassy in Kabul
was attacked. Pakistan s flag was set ablaze and putative
Pokhtoonistans flag was hoisted on Pakistan s embassy. Pakistan in
protest its consulates in kandhar and jalalabad and demanded apology
and guarantee of good behavior from Afghanistan and even threatened
of a befitting reply.
Durand Line Issue -1955:
In 1954, 1955, Pakistan-afghan relations reached its lowest ebb when
afghan mob attacked Pakistan s consulate in jalalabad and kandhar.
Further, in 1955 great tension and bitterness in relation was created by
Afghanistan claims that Durand line didnt constitute the Pakistan
-afghan border. Though Durand line was the internationally recognized
border but Afghanistan refused to accept this and it created a lot of
enmity.
To avoid any conflicts many efforts were made on international level to
resolve the issue. Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Egypt offered their services to
facilitate and resolve the issue. In 1955, Saudi Arabia offered to resolve
Pakistan -afghan dispute which was accepted by both countries. Saudi
Arabia presented new proposal for the resolving of dispute and held
talks with Afghanistan authority in Kabul. Saudi prince Saad bin Abdul
Rehman announce that the dispute was about to settle. Pakistan
started deliberated on Saudi proposal and arbitration when Afghanistan

rejected Saudi proposal and arbitration. The bitterness continued in

Pakistan -afghan relations.
In 1954 and 1955 Pakistan joined SETO and CENTO and her weight on
US side. USSR didnt like it and on USSR signal Afghanistan to raise
such issued.
Efforts to Normalize Relations:
President Sikander Mirza visited Kabul in 1956 and discussed bilateral
disputes with king Zahid shah. These talks took place in a very friendly
atmosphere. Later, afghan prince Minster Sardar Daod visited Pakistan.
Though these visits cooled down the heat in Pakistan -afghan relations
but failed to normalize relations completely.
PM Hussein Shaheed Suharwardi visited Afghanistan in 1957. Leaders
of both countries discussed bilateral dispute and issues and issued a
joint declaration at the end. With a vow to increase mutual
cooperation.
In 1958, king Zahir shah visited Pakistan. He held talks with PM Feroz
khan noon and President Sikendar Mirza on bilateral relations and
international issued. Karachi University awarded him an honorary
degree of DLL. During his presence in a very important landmark
agreement of transit trade took place between the two countries.

Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement:

Pakistan and Afghanistan signed a transit trade agreement in 1958
which provided to Kabul transit facilities to the Karachi port. Main
feature of this agreement were as under:
1. Afghan goods shall enjoy full freedom of passage through
Pakistan.
2. Pakistan agreed to construct railway track from Chaman to the
afghan terrority in order to facilitate the movement of goods.
3. Pakistan pledge to provide railway wagons for the carriage of
afghan goods.
4. Pakistan committed to provide storage facility for afghan goods
at Chaman, Peshawar and Karachi.
5. Pakistan exempted afghan goods from all excise duty and
custom duties.
In spite of all friendly steps taken by Pakistan, Afghanistan continued
its anti-Pakistan posture and violated the terms of transit agreement.
She continued anti-Pakistan propaganda and took advantage of transit
facilities for their purpose. Afghan prevented entrance of Pakistan good
trucks and imposed unfair taxes on Pakistan transporters.

Pakhtoonistan Issue Once Again:

In 1060, Afghanistan gave an ultimatum to Pakistan that if Pakistan
didnt settle the issue of pakhtoonistan with Afghanistan then Afghans
should adopt alternative means to resolve it. Furthermore, Afghanistan
blamed Pakistan for supporting terrorism and feelings of rebellion
among Afghans masses against the government. During these
developments, Afghanistan planes violated the Pakistans air
boundaries, on which Pakistan put up a strong protest. It was in 1960
that it happened for the very first time in Afghanistan that the
pakhtoonistan day was celebrated on official level.
In 1960, Afghanistan fomented the tribesmen to raise a banner of
revolt against Pakistan, but there mischiefs were ripped in the bud.
Due to this anti-Pakistan attitude, Pakistan severed its diplomatic ties
with Afghanistan. Even during this Pakistan respected the transit
agreement.
Afghanistan president Sardar Daod in 1961 offered some sort of
reconciliation but bound it with such severe terms which were not
acceptable for Pakistan.
Tehran Agreement-1963:
The Muslim world concerned at this sad development between the two
countries. Irans President King Raza Shah Pehlvi played the role of
mediator and succeeded in convincing both nations for restoring their
links. Then in 1963 an agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan
took place in Tehran. Both countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties
and open their respective consulates. Thus diplomatic relations
between Pakistan and Afghanistan were restored on 23rd may 1963.
Even after the conclusion of the restoration agreement in Tehran,
Afghanistan government started harping the same tune of Durand line.

A Short span of Friendly Relations:

After Tehran agreement there was a considerable change and
improvement in Pakistan -afghan relation. President Ayub khan met
king Zahir shah of Afghanistan in 1964 and discussed bilateral relations
and importance of Pakistan -afghan mutual role in international
scenario.
Afghanistan Neutrality in 1965 Indo-Pakistan War:

After the Tehran agreement of 1963, Afghanistan continued its hostile

attitude towards Pakistan. Thus a new phase of friendly relations
between the two nations started and lasted throughout the period of
king Zahir shah.
In the indo-Pakistan war of 1965, Afghanistan adopted a neutral
attitude and didnt create any problems for Pakistan on the Durand
line. At the end of the war Ayub khan went to Tashkent in January 1966,
for peace talks with Indian PM. In his way to Tashkent, he visited Kabul
and thanked king zahir shah for his cooperation during the war. In a
joint declaration, Afghanistan even supported Pakistan stance on
Kashmir issue.
King Zahir Shah visit to Pakistan:
In 1967, king zahir visited Pakistan and addressed the people in Lahore
and Karachi. He assured Pakistan of his full support in his long stand off
on Kashmir issue with India. This visit further strengthens the Pakistan
Afghanistan relations.
Afghanistan Neutrality in 1971 Indo-Pakistan War:
In 1971, Pakistan -India war, despite the pressure from India and
Russia, Afghanistan assumed a neutral position and didnt take side
with any of two sides. This was a positive gesture towards Pakistan and
it further strengthened neutral confidence.

Start of New Era of Bitterness and Enmity:

Sardar Dauds Government:
After the 1971 Pakistan -India war, most important development which
had taken place in the region was the toppling of king zahir shah
government by Sardar Daud (1973). After setting aside the
government USSR had installed Sardar Daud who was considers being
an ardent supporter of pakhtoonistan and USSR. With the advent of
Sardar Dauds government the afghan policy towards Pakistan went
through a major change. Afghanistan started airing the pakhtoonistan
propaganda. However, Pakistan recognized the Dauds government
and offered a hand of friendship and dialogues which were rejected.
Afghanistan raised the issue of pakhtoonistan first in NAM and then in
UN general assembly which was against the international principles.
Pakistan launched a great protest against Afghanistan attitude.
Pakistans Effort to Promote Improvement in Relations:

Though Sardar Dauds anti-Pakistan attitude had created a lot of

animosity in Pakistan -afghan relation, but Pakistan was still putting up
efforts to bring improvement in relations with Afghanistan.
PM Bhutto who had transformed Pakistan foreign policy n new pattern
of bilateralism and neutrality in order to normalize relations on western
borders. Doing this, he wanted to settle accounts with India and
resolve all dispute with her. In this regard, Pakistan displayed a very
friendly gesture when she dispatched a big financial and material
assistance for earth quake strikes in Afghanistan in 1976.

High Level Visits and Improvement in Relations:

To further his friendly foreign policy towards Afghanistan, PM Bhutto
visited Kabul in 1976. Sardar Daud returned his visit in august 1976
and held dialogue with PM Bhutto. Both leaders gave a joint declaration
to promote harmony, normalize relations and foster peaceful
coexistence. It was also vowed that all kind of malign propaganda
would be put to an end.
All these bilateral efforts put an end to the enmity and created a
feeling of friendship and goodwill at both sides. Sardar Daud who was
anti-Pakistan, a little time back, now seemed to be working for
promoting improvement in Pakistan -afghan relationship. The main
reason for this sudden change in afghan leaderships posture was due
to new foreign policy of Pakistan which was termed as bilateralism.
According to this policy Pakistan also promoted friendly relationships
with all big powers including USSR and USSR seemed to be happy with
independent and non-allied/non-alliance foreign policy of Pakistan.
Consequently, USSR also influenced afghan government to change her
attitude towards Pakistan.
President
Zia-ul-Haq
Afghanistan 1977:

and

His

Friendly

Policy

toward

In 1977 president Zia ousted Bhuttos government. However, he

continued Bhuttos friendly policy toward Afghanistan. Zia visited Kabul
in 1977 and held talks with President Daod. Afghan president returned
his visit in 1978 and both leaders declared to further promote
friendship, harmony and amity. Both leaders decided to extend
cooperation in trade, culture, education and many other directions.
There was complete harmony in the views of both leaders related to
international issued.
Bloody Revolution in Afghanistan:

The thaw in Pakistan -afghan relation was on its way when there
started an era of bloody revolution in Afghanistan. Sardar Daod was
murdered and government was taken over by Khalak Party leader
Noor Muhammad Taraki. He was also killed and government was again
taken over by Hafeez-al-Ameen who assumed an anti-Pakistan posture.
Though Hafeez had complete support of USSR in start but later he lost
confidence of USSR. By then, USSR interference in Afghanistan had
increased to a great extent. Hafeez was also killed allegedly by the
agents of USSR and an ex-prime minister, Babrak Karmal who was
leading exile life was installed by USSR in 1979.
Babrak Karmal was a puppet of USSR. He invited USSR to send her
troops in Afghanistan to restore orders and consolidate the
government. Under this flimsy pretext, USSRs army landed in
Afghanistan with a huge number of personnel and sophisticated
weapons.
International Response:
USSRs direct interference in the Afghanistan directly and indirectly
affected the whole world, anti-USSR demonstration took place in many
countries, USA, Britain, Germany, France and other western nations
strongly condemned this act of USSR and demanded an immediate
withdrawal of USSRs troops from Afghanistan, which was plainly
rejected by USSR.
Pakistans New Foreign Policy towards Afghanistan:
Due to USSRs presence on her western borders, Pakistan found herself
to be in very vulnerable situation. A threat of USSRs ambitions across
the Durand line was perceived by Pakistan. Even USSRs planes
violated the Pakistans air limits time and again. A strong reaction at
public level took place and anti-USSR demonstrations started all over
Pakistan.
In this regard Afghanistan problem became the corner stone of
Pakistans foreign policy. The change in the Pakistan foreign policy
could be analyzed in the light of following events.
1. End of Bhuttos government and marshals law in 1977
2. Islamic revolution against king of Iran in 1979.
3. USSRs direct interference and military presence in Afghanistan
in 1979
All above events gave Pakistans foreign policy a new shape. USSRs
military presence in Afghanistan had directly challenged the US
interest in Middle East and Persian Gulf. US desire to capitalize all the

oil reserves in this region now seemed to be under soviet threat.

Pakistan has assumed the status of front line state in this situation. UN
and western block decided to strengthen Pakistan and use her to
counter soviet ambitions in the region. Huge plans of Pakistans
financial and military assistance were hatched and a complete strategy
was prepared to check soviet advance towards warm waters.
Afghan Refugees:
The exodus to afghan refugees continued during 1980 and 1981.
Pakistan had to bear the burden of more than 2,000,000 afghan
refugees by the end of 1981. By September 1981, more than
2,298,767 Afghans had got themselves registered in Pakistan while
more than 1.5 million had fled to Iran.
Afghan Resistance:
The activities of freedom fighter continued during these years. In many
battles the Mujahideens inflicted heavy causalities on Babrak Karmal
forces. Many afghan provinces including Herat, Kandhar, Nagar, and
Nangarhar were under repeated invasions on mujahideens.
Pakistans Efforts to Resolve Afghanistan Problem in UN:
Pakistan made Afghanistan issue as the hub of its foreign policy and
put up all his diplomatic efforts to resolve it. Due to Pakistan s and
other Muslim countries efforts, UN was approached which passed a
resolution in 1980 with 111 votes in favor and 22 votes against calling
for a peaceful settlement of the problem, the withdrawal of soviet
army, restoration of afghans independence, returns of refugees and
formation of an elected government in Afghanistan.
Diego Cordovez, personal representative of UN secretary-general
frequently shuttled between the parties. USSR wanted that Pakistan
should recognize afghan government which was refused by Pakistan;
Pakistan agreed to hold indirect talks with Afghanistan. The advent of
Gorbachov in USSR corridors of powers further softened the stance of
USSR.
Geneva Talks for Soviet Withdrawal (1982-1986):
Pakistan didnt recognize the puppet afghan government therefore she
refused to hold direct talk with her. At last both sides agreed to hold
indirect talk through UN secretary general. This third round of UN
sponsored indirect talk in Geneva between Pakistan and afghan held in
august 1984, ended without any progress.

Infact the issues were inter-linked. The soviets were reluctant to

announce a time table of withdrawal under international guarantees
were furnished and the US refuse to offer any guarantee prior to
withdrawal. The situation was further stalemated because international
guarantees were not forthcoming despite Pakistans efforts to obtain
them. The soviets insisted that the refugee issues should be tackled
separately but Pakistan insisted an integrated approach. The situation
therefore represented mistrust between the super powers. This
situation continued till 1986, when USSR suggested a partial
withdrawal.
Babrak Karmal wanted direct talks with Pakistan but Installation of Dr.
Najeebs government in 1986, eased the situation. Dr. Najeeb agreed
on indirect talks. In 1987, Gorbachov manifested his desire to promote
friendly ties with Asian countries and announced unilateral withdrawal
without giving any time table.
Geneva Agreement 1988:
Since 1986 to 1988, diplomatic efforts from all quarters continued to
resolve the issue. Observers from many countries payed visits and
propounded many proposals to make Geneva talk successful.
At last, after 8th round of rigorous talks, four countries signed an accord
in April 1988, in Geneva and these talks achieved success.
The UN sponsored agreement under which Soviet Union started pulling
out its 115,000 troops from Afghanistan on May 15 was signed on April
14, 1988, acting as guarantors joined Afghanistan and Pakistan in a
series of agreements aimed at ending a bitter nine years old conflict in
the land-locked Muslim country Afghanistan.
The soviet foreign minister Edward Shevardnadze and the US secretary
of state, George Sheelt for the two super powers, foreign minister
Abdul Wakil for Afghanistan and minister of state for foreign affairs
Zain Noorani for Pakistan signed the agreement. UN secretary general
Javier Perez DC presided over the historic ceremony in the council
chamber of old League of Nations headquarters, the palace de nation.
Following were the main points f Geneva accord for an afghan
settlement.
1. Only half of the troops will be withdrawal by august 15, 1988 and
the withdrawal of all the troops will be completed within nine
months.
2. No interference will be made in the internal affairs of Afghanistan
and Pakistan.
3. US and USSR made an agreement of guarantor to avoid
interference in the affairs of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

4. Pakistan and Afghanistan made a bilateral accord on the

voluntary return of afghan refugees.
Late president Zia ul Haq in an exclusive interview with a panel of NPT
editors and senior correspondents spoke in detail about the conditions
prevailing in Afghanistan following the Geneva accord and its
aftermath. He made it clear that Pakistan had not accepted any
dictation with regard to signing of accord and had firmly maintained its
principled stance. The main objectives of the accord from the
Pakistans view point were the withdrawal of soviet troops from
Afghanistan, the return of refugees to their country with honor and
dignity and setting up of a government in Afghanistan which was
acceptable to all sections of people.
Pitfall of Geneva Accord and Its Aftermath:
1. Afghan mujahideen:
Afghan mujahideen did not accept Geneva accord because they
were not a party to the agreement. The Geneva accord was not
binding on afghan mujahideen.
2. The Symmetry Provision:
The Geneva accord was not binding on afghan mujahideen since the
Soviet Union had thought it fit to adopt a negative scpnusetry rather
than a positive one which meant that the soviet could wage supplies of
defense equipments to the government in Afghanistan and American
were free to make available arms to mujahideen.

3. Soviet allegations on Pakistan :

During the second half of the 1988 the Soviet Union had been very
vocal in accusing Pakistan of violating Geneva accord. USSR accused
Pakistan to assist the afghan mujahideen who had waged a relentless
war against the soviet occupation and Nijibs government. However,
Pakistan reiterated her commitment to Geneva accord and her
determination to obscure the agreement in letter and sprit.
Afghan Interim Government and Pakistans Support:
The afghan interim government was established. As Pakistan soil in
early 1989, but could not achieve wide international recognition even
among the Muslim countries.

After prolonged negotiations among various factions of afghan

mujahideen, sibghatullah mujadidi was nominated as the president of
AIG and Abdul Rub Rasool Saggaf as PM and Gulbadin Hykmatyar as
Foreign minister.
War among Rival Factions:
Afghan interim government still lacked a strong and identifiable
territorial bone, it excluded the eight party alliance of afghan
mujahideen based in Tehran and it also did not enjoy the confidence of
such important non Pakhtoon military commanders like Ahmad Shah
Masud based in Panjsher valley or Ismail khan, operating in Herat.
Ahmad shah masood forged critical alliance with the militia forces in
the north and after defeating the afghan army went beyond the UN
plans which had proposed the take over by neutral interim setup.
In 1991, a mujahideen leader Jalal-ud-din Haqqani attacked and
captured Khost. This success jolted the Najibs government.
Pakistans Opposition of Najeebs Government:
President Najeeb blames Pakistan in interfering Afghans internal
affairs. Pakistan refused to hold dialogue with Najeebs government
and demonstrated from UN to install some other acceptable person in
place of Najeeb. UN representatives started discussing proposals on
making interim government in Afghanistan with Pakistan, Iran and
factions in afghan.
Peshawar Accord 1992:
Communist president had to resign on 16 April, 1992. On 24 th April,
1992, in governor house Peshawar, held a ceremony including leaders
of almost all rival factions of afghan mujahideen agreed on a
framework of an interim government. In their talks. Pakistan played
and important role and PM Nawaz Sherif held dialogue with six
organizations of afghan mujahideens. As a result they agreed upon the
names of president and PM and other officials of the interim
government and were chosen are: professor sibghat ullah mujadadi
was made President for an interim period of two months. He took over
the government in Afghanistan. PM Nawaz Sherif with a high level
delegation visited Kabul and congratulated afghan president on
assuming the president ship.
Pakistan sent 10,000 tons of wheat as a gesture of good will, as
assistance. With the help of Pakistan, Afghanistan joined ECO in
September 1992.
Failure of Peshawar Accord, Civil War and Pakistans Efforts:

Hizb e islami leader Golbadin Hikmatyar rejected Peshawar accord

because he did not participate in it. As a result civil war started.
Pakistan tried to bring a sort of compromise among rival sections but
Junbash e Milis leader Rasheed Dostum refused to accept and chaos
went on.
Islamabad Accord (1993):
With the combined efforts of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Islamabad
accord took place in 1993 to resolve all disputes among afghan
factions and bring peace in Afghanistan. Following are the main points:

Burhan ud din Rabbani was made president for nest 18

months and Gulbadein Hikmatyar was made PM. It was
agreed that rest of the cabinet would be chosen by the
consultant on both, PM and president.
An election commission would be made to hold elections in
Afghanistan in 8 months to elect legislature.
Legislature would formulate a constitution.
A defense council will be made with members from all parties.

Though in start. This accord helped in bringing peace in Afghanistan

but later a tug of war for power took place between president and
PM, and civil war again started in which thousand of people were
killed.
Anti Pakistan activities:
Seeing such a bloodshed and volatile situation in Afghanistan.
Pakistan started supporting Hikmatyar. This created a feeling of
animosity among the factions lead by Burhan ud din Rabbani and he
sought a secret assistance from India. India started backing Rabbani
and Indian influence started increasing in Afghanistan. With this anti
Pakistan activities started in Afghanistan on large scale which
culminated into burning up of Pakistan embassy in Kabul and high
jacking of school bus in Pakistan.
Pakistan, who had made so many sacrifices for the resolving afghan
issue and bringing peace in Afghanistan, and bringing a Pakistan
friendly government in Kabul, could not see India taking away the
fruit of her sufferings. Moreover, with Indian involvement in
Afghanistan, Pakistan dreams to make an access to CARS could not
have come true. Thus Pakistan had to revise her afghan policy once
again to handle the situation and to make her western borders safe.

Rise of Taliban:
In a war torn Afghanistan, a new powerful element came to the
scene in 1995 who were called as Taliban, lead by Mullah Omer.
Taliban started making victories and by 1995 they had took hold of
many provinces. At last, in 1996 they took hold of Kabul and
established a government based on fundamentalist principles.
Pakistans Support to Taliban:
Being a neighbor, peace and stability in Afghanistan was of direst
interest to Pakistan and Taliban had successfully established it.
There were the factors on which was standing the whole building of
Pakistan afghan policy.
Pakistan was fully supporting Taliban. Pakistan was the only country
who recognized Taliban government and established ties with them.
Even relations with Taliban affected Pakistans relations with Iran
who was opposing anti-Iran fundamentalist Taliban government.
With the passage of time Taliban got control of a large part of
Afghanistan and consolidated their hold on them. Later Saudi Arabia
and UAE too recognized Taliban government.
Pakistan was fully supporting Taliban, which created a lot of bad
blood in anti Taliban forces, northern alliance against Pakistan.
Sanctions against
Opposition:

Taliban

Government

and

Pakistans

Over the time western powers blamed Taliban on harboring

terrorism and supporting al-qaeda. International community also
condemned Taliban on violating human rights against women and
minority Shia Muslim community. However, Pakistan kept on
supporting Talibans government.
In 2000, UN Security Council imposed sanctions against Taliban
government and Pakistan opposed these sanctions because
Pakistan believed that these sanctions would badly affect poor
Afghans people. However, UN recognized Rabbani government and
US blamed Taliban for supporting terrorism. UNSC demanded that
Taliban should immediately cease fire and surrenders Osama bin
Ladin to US. Taliban turned deaf ear to these demands.
Differences between Pakistan and Taliban:

In the mean while government of Pakistan got some evidence which

revealed that the Taliban were involved in terrorist activities inside
Pakistan. Pakistan demanded Taliban to immediately stop
supporting such activities but Taliban did not listen to the friendly
advice and this created differences between the two neighbors.
Pakistan policy was to support a stable government but when
Taliban got involved in religious terrorism, it created a wide chasm
between the two governments

Post 9/11 Pakistans Afghan policy:

Pakistan has to revise once again its afghan policy in the after math
of terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 on US. The first visible
response of Pakistan to US call was the abandonment of a decade
long efforts by Pakistan to turn Afghanistan under the Taliban
regime. In addition to abandoning its support to Taliban, Pakistan
stood at the fore front of the US coalition by providing a range of
assistance to the US, including the use of military base and airports,
logistic and intelligence support etc. the ultimate result was the
collapse of Taliban regime in the second week of December and
subsequently a new UN backed government came into power in
Afghanistan.
New Afghan Government and Pakistans Full Support:
Boon (Germany) conference under the UN umbrella took important
decisions regarding the future afghan government in 2002.
Pashtoon leader Hamid Karzai was made president who later was
chosen for the next term of another two years by Afghan Jirga to
formulate a new constitution. ISAF forces are present in afghan to
consolidate Karzais government.
Pakistan fully recognized the Karzais government and fully
supported it. Pakistan is extending a full cooperation for the
consolidation of afghan government and reconstruction of war torn
country.
Difference between Pakistan and Afghan Government:
Even after the installation of Karzai government by the US in
afghan. Peace has been rather precarious. Neither Osama bin Ladin
nor Mullah Omer has been apprehended. Resistance against the
coalition forces has continued. The Taliban are part of the
resistance. President Karazi blames Pakistan for treating Taliban

elements in Pakistan with leniency. Afghan government blamed that

the terrorist conducting such activities take safe refuge across the
border in Pakistan and Pakistan government willfully over looks their
presence. Afghanistan has given a list of top Taliban leaders who is
believes are hiding in Pakistan and whom it wants apprehended and
extradited. On the contrary oak has vehemently denied such
allegations and claims to have arrested many high ranking al-qaeda
figures and handed over some of them to US.
Pakistan Long Term Interests in Afghanistan:
Political interests:
Pakistans foremost political interest is to see strong, stable and united
Afghanistan with a Pakistan friendly government giving the pashtoons
their due share in power.
Economic interests:
A peaceful Afghanistan that enables the laying oil and gas pipeline
from CARS, through afghan terrority to Pakistan. Moreover, CARS
represents a huge market for Pakistani goods. Afghanistan is a
landlocked county and Pakistan can give access to its harbors.
Security Interests:
A stable and united Afghanistan with a Pakistan friendly government
will result in a secure western border. Both countries want to eradicate
terrorism from their countries to bring stability in Afghanistan.
Reconstruction of Afghanistan:
Pakistan wants to participate in reconstruction of Afghanistan and want
to see Afghanistan stable and prosperous country.
Divergence of Interests:
Following are a few areas of divergence;
1. Islamabad is faced with the nightmare of a failing neighbors,
damaging Pakistans long existing friendly relations with Iran and
hindering, instead of facilitating access and cooperation with
CARS.
2. There is legacy of mistrust and hostility between Afghanistan and
Pakistan due to many incidents in the past.
3. Durand line remains an irritant between both countries.
4. Influence of external players.
5. Afghanistan blames Pakistan of Taliban elements who want to
destabilize Afghanistan government.

6. Increasing Indian influence in Afghanistan and opening of Indian

consulates in many cities of Afghanistan.
Pakistan-Afghan Relations (2010):
The misunderstanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan should not be
attributed to the policies of Kabul alone. Our abrupt changes in the
foreign policy in tackling the situation in Afghanistan after the US
attacks and the subsequent fall of the Taliban have contributed to the
Afghans hostility towards Pakistan.
If Islamabad and Kabul avoid misunderstanding in future. To avoid any
problems, Afghanistan and Pakistan must establish trust on each other;
discuss all issues on bilateral level, without any third party mediation.
Such a policy may push the US, India and Iran out of the equation and
pave the way for durable friendship between the two countries.
Karzai should also realize that Afghanistans problem stems from
persistent foreign interventions. Karzai needs to hold direct talks with
the Taliban and mist satisfy their demands including the demand for
outer of foreign forces from the Afghanistan.
Pakistan has legitimate interests in Afghanistan and as such, karzai
should heed Islamabads call for the protection of Pakistan interests.
Reciprocally, Pakistan must support him to play a positive role in the
development of reconciliation between Taliban and Kabul.
The geopolitical and geo-strategic enviourment of Afghanistan of the
next decade will be determine by the converging interest of its
neighbors, i-e Russia, china, Iran, the central Asian states and the US. If
we are looking for a peace in Afghanistan we have to accommodate
the interests of other. And therefore Pakistan needs to recalibrate its
position on afghan. It means harmonizing Pakistans geo-strategic
interests with Afghanistan and regional neighbors and real
accommodation of some US and NATO interests.