Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are often described in sentimental terms as those of “brotherly nations.” Yet history tells a far more complex story. In a recent episode of New Wave History, veteran analyst and investigative journalist Imtiaz Gul explored the historical roots of mistrust between the two neighbours, tracing tensions back to the earliest days of Pakistan’s independence.

When Pakistan emerged in 1947, Afghanistan briefly opposed its entry into the United Nations, an episode that helped plant the seeds of suspicion between the two states. Although the objection was later corrected due to a communication delay from Kabul, the incident shaped early perceptions and contributed to a fragile relationship that would remain strained for decades.

Central to the dispute is the Durand Line, the border drawn by the British in 1893 that divided Pashtun tribal regions. Pakistan regards the line as an internationally recognised boundary inherited at independence, while successive Afghan governments have refused to formally acknowledge it, arguing that it was imposed during the colonial era. The disagreement has persisted as a recurring theme in Afghan political discourse, resurfacing whenever tensions escalate between the two countries.

During the Cold War, the ideological currents of socialism and communism further complicated the relationship. Pashtun nationalist movements in Pakistan, inspired partly by Soviet-backed narratives, advocated the creation of a “Greater Pashtunistan”. Kabul provided refuge to several activists, deepening Islamabad’s concerns about cross-border political agitation.

The geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Pakistan became the frontline state supporting the Afghan mujahideen with backing from the United States and Saudi Arabia. According to Gul, Pakistan served as a logistical base for the anti-Soviet resistance, transforming the region’s political and militant networks.

In later decades, Pakistan’s security establishment debated the concept of “strategic depth”, the idea that a friendly government in Kabul would safeguard Pakistan’s western flank. However, Gul argues that this doctrine gradually lost relevance after the War on Terror, as regional realities and Afghan public sentiment evolved.

Today, tensions remain shaped by the presence of militant groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from Afghan territory and targets the Pakistani state. Meanwhile, the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul following the United States’ withdrawal in 2021 has created fresh uncertainties in bilateral relations.

Despite these challenges, Gul believes that the future of Pakistan–Afghanistan relations must ultimately be guided by economic connectivity and dialogue. With a shared border of more than 2,500 kilometres and deep cultural ties, sustainable stability, he argues, can only emerge through renewed diplomatic engagement rather than prolonged confrontation.

© Naya Daur