ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, experts highlighted the importance of a long-term strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan to strengthen their bilateral relationship, emphasizing that enhanced ties could significantly advance economic cooperation and regional connectivity.
The discussion, titled “Understanding Kabul’s Perspective on the Future of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations,” was organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS). Participants pointed out that the Afghan Taliban’s stance towards militant groups, including the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), remains influenced by ideological, political, and security factors, which continue to affect the overall security situation between the two nations.
They argued that ongoing dialogue, paired with pragmatic expectations, could pave the way for incremental improvements in relations, enabling both countries to better appreciate each other’s priorities and objectives.
the participants, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are shaped by a variety of elements, such as Pakistan’s security concerns, the Afghan Taliban’s ideological perspectives, internal political developments, historical experiences, strategic calculations, and regional geopolitical shifts.
The forum explored multiple policy options to tackle bilateral challenges, including enhanced security cooperation, diplomatic engagement, confidence-building measures, and economic collaboration.
Additionally, the discussion reviewed Kabul’s views on Pakistan’s policies regarding border management, security operations, trade and travel restrictions, and the repatriation of Afghan nationals. While Pakistan considers border regulation a sovereign right, these measures have impacted trade, educational exchanges, people-to-people interactions, and broader bilateral engagement.
Several participants emphasized that sustained dialogue could address these issues more effectively.
The conversation also examined how regional geopolitics influence Afghanistan’s strategic outlook, particularly its relations with India, China, Russia, and Central Asian states, and what these dynamics mean for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
Experts underscored the potential of regional connectivity projects to promote long-term cooperation between the two countries.
In conclusion, the panel agreed that enduring diplomatic efforts, stronger security coordination, mutual respect for each other’s security concerns, and deeper economic, trade, and people-to-people ties are essential for stable Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
The panel featured Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the IRS; Elian Peltier, Pakistan and Afghanistan Bureau Chief for The New York Times; former ambassador to Afghanistan Abrar Hussain; senior journalists Tahir Khan and Hassan Khan; former ambassador to Afghanistan Arif Ayub; The New York Times correspondent Zia ur Rehman; Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director of the Centre for Research and Security Studies; and Aarish U Khan, Lead of the IRS Afghanistan Programme.
