The Estranged Relationship Between Afghanistan and Pakistan: Historical and Contemporary Dynamics

The historical relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been marked by periods of strife and misunderstanding, deeply rooted in geographical and cultural differences. As two nations with distinct histories and outlooks, the relationship between these two countries has seen various phases of tension and cooperation, often arising from their differences in geographical location, cultural identity, and geopolitical strategies.

Historical Background

The geographical location of these two countries has played a significant role in shaping their relationship. Historically, Pakistan identified more with South Asia, particularly with India, while Afghanistan looked towards Central Asia. This geographical proximity and the overlapping borders have often led to conflicts and misunderstandings between the two nations.

The historical relationship between these countries has had its roots in the complex pan-Mountain area of Central Asia. For instance, during the era of the Afghan kingdoms, certain areas in Pakistan had briefly been part of Afghan territories. However, these were quickly lost to the Sikh forces, which decisively defeated Afghan forces and expelled them permanently. The British, after defeating the Sikhs, took control of these regions. These areas continue to be claimed by Afghanistan as part of what they refer to as 'Greater Afghanistan.'

Contemporary Tensions and Geopolitical Interactions

The contemporary relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been marked by a series of conflicts over time. In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Afghanistan frequently caused trouble for Pakistan. However, the tide began to turn in the mid-1970s when Pakistan started to assert itself, retaliating against the actions of the former.

A significant turning point occurred in the 1980s when Pakistan played a crucial role in driving the Soviet forces out of Afghanistan. This involvement also saw Pakistan hosting around 4 million Afghan refugees, providing them with food, shelter, and support. While many Afghans flourished in their new homes, inevitably, this led to the introduction of crime and lawlessness in several Pakistani cities, as Afghan refugees were often better armed than local law enforcement.

Afghans blamed the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for their hardships and unrest. However, despite these issues, Afghans showed no desire to return to their homeland, living comfortable lives in Pakistan. It was not until 2022 that Pakistan began the process of deporting these refugees back to Afghanistan, a move that improved the situation but placed immense pressure on the newly established Taliban regime, leading to plummeting relations between the two nations.

Modern Realpolitik and Future Prospects

Today, the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan continues to be influenced by modern geopolitical realpolitik. Pakistan views the world through a modern lens, constantly applying realpolitik strategies in its foreign policy, while Afghanistan remains a largely forward-looking country despite extensive development efforts from the United States, NATO, and India. This developmental gap exacerbates the difficulties in achieving mutual understanding and cooperation.

Another significant issue is the backward nature of Afghan society. Due to its tumultuous history dating back to the era of Genghis Khan, Afghan society lacks understanding of modern national boundaries, policing, and justice systems. This creates a significant cultural divide that makes it extremely challenging for both nations to form a cohesive relationship.

It is highly unlikely that the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan will improve substantially until Afghanistan can achieve a level of development comparable to the early 20th century. Until this happens, the two nations will continue to find little in common and face ongoing challenges in their bilateral relations.