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 Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Geographical contingency, shared faith and mutual interest are the main factors driving
Pakistan’s 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 general’s
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 didn’t
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
didn’t 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 didn’t 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 Pakistan’s 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. Iran’s
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 didn’t
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 didn’t 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 Daud’s 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 Daud’s
government the afghan policy towards Pakistan went through a major change.
Afghanistan started airing the pakhtoonistan propaganda. However, Pakistan recognized
the Daud’s 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.

Pakistan’s Effort to Promote Improvement in Relations:

Though Sardar Daud’s 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 leadership’s 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 and His Friendly Policy toward Afghanistan – 1977:

In 1977 president Zia ousted Bhutto’s government. However, he continued Bhutto’s

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, USSR’s
army landed in Afghanistan with a huge number of personnel and sophisticated
weapons.

International Response:

USSR’s 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 USSR’s troops from Afghanistan, which was plainly rejected
by USSR.

Pakistan’s New Foreign Policy towards Afghanistan:

Due to USSR’s presence on her western borders, Pakistan found herself to be in very
vulnerable situation. A threat of USSR’s ambitions across the Durand line was perceived
by Pakistan. Even USSR’s planes violated the Pakistan’s 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 Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The change in the Pakistan foreign policy could be analyzed in the light of following
events.

1. End of Bhutto’s government and marshal’s law in 1977

2. Islamic revolution against king of Iran in 1979.
3. USSR’s direct interference and military presence in Afghanistan in 1979

All above events gave Pakistan’s foreign policy a new shape. USSR’s 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 Pakistan’s 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.

Pakistan’s 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 afghan’s 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 didn’t 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 Pakistan‘s 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. Najeeb’s
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 point’s 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 Pakistan’s 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 Nijib’s
government. However, Pakistan reiterated her commitment to Geneva accord and her
determination to obscure the agreement in letter and sprit.

Afghan Interim Government and Pakistan’s 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 Najib’s government.

Pakistan‘s Opposition of Najeeb’s Government:

President Najeeb blames Pakistan in interfering Afghan’s internal affairs. Pakistan

refused to hold dialogue with Najeeb’s 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 Pakistan’s 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 Mili’s 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 CAR’S 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.

Pakistan’s 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 Pakistan’s 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 Taliban Government and Pakistan’s Opposition:

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 Taliban’s 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 Pakistan’s 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 Pakistan’s 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 Karzai’s government.
Pakistan fully recognized the Karzai’s 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:
Pakistan’s 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 CAR’S, through
afghan terrority to Pakistan. Moreover, CAR’S 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 Pakistan’s

long existing friendly relations with Iran and hindering, instead of facilitating
access and cooperation with CAR’S.
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 Afghanistan’s 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
Islamabad’s 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 Pakistan’s geo-strategic interests with
Afghanistan and regional neighbors and real accommodation of some US and NATO
interests.”