The recent rise in tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan has drawn concern and sorrow among observers across the region. Two countries sharing not only a 2,600-kilometer-long border but also deep historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious ties are once again facing avoidable friction. For centuries, the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan have shared bloodlines, faith, and traditions. The Durand Line may serve as a border in modern geopolitics, but in reality, families, tribes, and cultures on both sides of the line have always been one.
It is deeply regrettable, therefore, to see relations deteriorate between two brotherly Muslim nations. The current disputes and cross-border clashes have brought unnecessary losses to both sides—losses that could and should have been prevented. No gain can justify the blood of Muslims being spilled by the hands of fellow Muslims. As the Holy Qur’an reminds us, “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers.”
Mechanisms for Dialogue and Understanding
Differences between neighbors are not unusual. Even real brothers within a family can have disagreements. What matters is how such differences are managed. Between Pakistan and Afghanistan, several institutional and diplomatic mechanisms exist for consultation, dialogue, and cooperation. Both sides have established border coordination centers, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and high-level committees. In addition, regional platforms—such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—provide avenues for structured dialogue.
At the global level, the United Nations Charter also offers ample room for peaceful dispute resolution. Therefore, military confrontation or inflammatory rhetoric is neither justified nor productive. It is encouraging that both countries have, at different points, recognized the value of dialogue and have returned to the negotiating table.
The recent Doha dialogue, graciously hosted by our Muslim brother country Qatar, marks an important step forward. Qatar’s contribution, supported by Saudi Arabia’s constructive role and China’s diplomatic encouragement, reflects the shared desire of regional powers to see peace and stability restored between Pakistan and Afghanistan. These mediating efforts deserve appreciation and must be sustained with sincerity.
It is now essential that both sides adhere fully and faithfully to the commitments reached in Doha. Dialogue, patience, and mutual respect must replace suspicion and confrontation.
A History of Brotherhood and Shared Sacrifice
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been shaped by a long and complex history—marked by moments of solidarity and occasional misunderstanding. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the Taliban government during its first tenure (1996–2001), and it even persuaded Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to extend recognition as well. When the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001, Pakistan bore immense economic and security burdens, including the influx of refugees, the spread of militancy, and the challenges of cross-border terrorism.
Yet, Pakistan never abandoned the Afghan people. Over four decades, Pakistan has hosted more than five million Afghan refugees—providing them shelter, education, healthcare, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Even today, nearly 2.5 million Afghans remain in Pakistan, and hundreds of thousands of Afghan students are studying in Pakistani universities. Many of these young Afghans, fluent in Urdu and Pashto, have grown up among Pakistanis, sharing the same values and aspirations. They can and should serve as bridges of understanding between the two nations.
Pakistan has repeatedly demonstrated goodwill toward Afghanistan. It facilitated peace talks between the Taliban and the international community, supported humanitarian assistance, and helped Afghanistan reconnect to regional trade routes. Pakistan’s desire has always been a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan—because a secure Afghanistan is vital for regional peace and for Pakistan’s own development, especially its connectivity with Central Asia.
India’s Role: A Misplaced Partnership
Unfortunately, recent signs of growing Indian involvement in Afghanistan have raised valid concerns. Historically, India has had no geographical, cultural, religious, or linguistic connection with Afghanistan. It shares no border, no traditions, and no faith with the Afghan people. India’s attempts to establish influence in Afghanistan are driven not by goodwill, but by strategic rivalry with Pakistan.
For decades, India has sought to use Afghan territory to destabilize Pakistan. There is credible and verifiable evidence that India, through its intelligence networks, has supported terrorist activities against Pakistan from Afghan soil—funding militant groups such as the TTP and BLA. Pakistan has presented this evidence to both the Afghan authorities and international partners.
The Taliban should therefore remain cautious in dealing with India. During the two decades of American occupation (2001–2021), India was among the staunchest opponents of the Taliban. It labeled them terrorists, refused to recognize their legitimacy, and opposed all peace talks involving them. In contrast, Pakistan maintained open and indirect communication with the Taliban throughout those difficult years, even when it faced criticism from the West for doing so.
Most Taliban leaders were either educated in Pakistan or lived here for years. Pakistan provided refuge, shelter, and medical care to countless Afghans during their long struggle. It is thus deeply disappointing to see the current Taliban administration showing distrust toward Pakistan while courting a country that once called them enemies.
Any alliance between India and Afghanistan, given their lack of natural affinity, is artificial and cannot last. India’s record with Muslim-majority nations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government—known for its Hindu nationalist ideology inspired by the extremist RSS—speaks volumes. India’s policies in Kashmir, its anti-Muslim legislation, and its silence on Palestinian suffering all expose its hypocrisy. The Taliban, as leaders of an Islamic state, must see through these realities and choose their partners wisely.
The Way Forward: A Strategy for Reconciliation
For Pakistan and Afghanistan, the road to reconciliation is not impossible—it simply requires honesty and commitment. Both countries have far more to gain from cooperation than confrontation. Here is a pragmatic approach to rebuilding trust and partnership:
- Strengthen Diplomatic Channels: Regular high-level meetings between foreign ministers, border authorities, and military representatives should be institutionalized. A permanent joint commission can help address security concerns before they escalate.
- Ensure Non-Interference: Afghanistan must guarantee that its soil will not be used by terrorist organizations—whether TTP, BLA, or foreign intelligence networks—against Pakistan. In return, Pakistan should avoid measures that can be seen as punitive or unilateral, such as abrupt border closures or restrictions on trade.
- Revive Economic Cooperation: Afghanistan, being a landlocked country, depends heavily on Pakistan for transit trade. A smooth flow of goods benefits both economies. Joint economic zones, road and rail connectivity projects, and energy linkages can foster interdependence and stability.
- Expand People-to-People Contacts: Cultural exchanges, student scholarships, and media cooperation can counter disinformation and rebuild public trust. Afghan graduates of Pakistani universities can serve as informal ambassadors of goodwill.
- Collaborate on Counterterrorism: Both sides face threats from transnational extremist groups. Joint intelligence sharing and coordinated border security can serve mutual interests.
- Encourage Regional Mediation: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and China have proven to be sincere partners in promoting peace. Their continued engagement can provide confidence and help both sides stay on the path of dialogue.
- Promote Positive Media Narratives: The media on both sides must avoid hate speech and inflammatory reporting. Instead, they should highlight shared culture, faith, and common goals.
Brotherhood Over Blame
It is easy to point fingers; it is harder to extend a hand. Afghanistan and Pakistan, two brotherly nations bound by Islam, geography, and history, cannot afford to drift apart. The region’s enemies benefit from division, not unity. Every bullet fired across the border, every angry word in the media, is a victory for those who wish to see Muslims divided and weak.
Pakistan has always stood with Afghanistan—through war, occupation, and crisis. It continues to do so today. The Afghan people, proud and courageous as they are, must now look beyond temporary grievances and recognize their real friends. India’s overtures may sound appealing in the short term, but they are built on opportunism, not fraternity.
A Shared Destiny
The destinies of Pakistan and Afghanistan are intertwined. Neither can prosper in isolation or hostility. Both nations stand at a critical juncture: they can either continue down a path of mutual suspicion or rediscover the spirit of brotherhood that has bound them for centuries.
Peace will not come overnight, but the first step has already been taken through dialogue in Doha. It must be followed by sincere implementation, mutual respect, and trust. The world is watching, but more importantly, the Muslim world is hoping that two of its brotherly nations will rise above discord and become pillars of stability in a turbulent region.
Let wisdom prevail over emotion, and unity over division. The people of Afghanistan and Pakistan deserve peace — not as a distant dream, but as a shared reality, built together, as brothers once more.
