A brief analysis of Pakistan and Afghanistan Relations (1947-1998)

Abstract

Pakistan and Afghanistan have shared a complex and tumultuous relationship since the formation of Pakistan in 1947. The two neighbouring countries have been engaged in a struggle for dominance, often marked by political and military conflicts. In the initial years, Afghanistan was one of the first countries to recognize Pakistan as an independent state, and the two nations shared close cultural and economic ties. However, tensions began to rise in the 1950s when Afghanistan refused to recognize the Durand Line as the official border between the two countries. This issue, coupled with Afghanistan's support for Pashtun nationalists in Pakistan, led to strained relations between the two countries. The situation further deteriorated in the 1970s when Afghanistan became a Soviet ally, and Pakistan supported the Mujahideen in the Soviet-Afghan war. This intensified the border conflicts, and Afghanistan accused Pakistan of supporting insurgent groups. The relationship reached its lowest point in 1988 when Pakistan closed its borders with Afghanistan, cutting off crucial trade routes and causing severe economic damage to Afghanistan. The situation improved in the 1990s when both countries signed the Islamabad Accord, which aimed to end the conflict and establish a peaceful relationship. However, the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan in the late 1990s reignited tensions as Pakistan was accused of supporting the militant group. Despite attempts at reconciliation, the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained fragile and marked by mistrust and hostility. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the relations between both the States while adopting qualitative and historical method of analysis.