KIPS NOTES

PAK-AFGHAN RELATION:
Scanned by: Rana Ahmed Typed By: Syed Ali Ijlal Hussain

Introduction: Afghanistan is one of the most important countries in Pakistans foreign policy. Geographical contingency, shared faith and mutual interest are the main factors driving Pakistans approach towards Afghanistan. It is the location at the gross roads of south and central Asia further adds to its importance for Pakistan. Since its independence Pakistan has been aspiring for friendly cordial and mutually beneficial relations with Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan non-cooperative attitude prompted by the internal and external vested interest particularly in the wake of cold war perverted their full development. Pakistan had to remain prepared for the new situation on ethnicity and faith. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan had never been smooth. With the sole exception four years of the Taliban rule over Afghanistan, successive governments in Kabul have displayed varying degree of dissatisfaction towards Islamabad. While the principal historical cause of this dissatisfaction has been the unresolved issue of the Durand line, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also emanated from their divergent strategic outlooks and dissimilar national ethos. There is no country that wants peace and stability in Afghanistan more than Pakistan and a no country stood to suffer from the instability in Afghanistan more than Pakistan. Also the absence of an effective state authority is responsible for the cross boarder traffic in arms and narcotics threatening the security of Pakistan citizens and the state. Without going into too much of the past it is relevant to have a look to at some of the facts of the soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Taliban regime, post September 11 scenario, security contents and Pak-afghan relations. This is going to help analyze the present situation to recommend certain policy options for Pakistan subsequently. Beginning of Relation -1947: At the time of Pakistan independence in 1947, Afghanistan was under the influence of USSRA, and India. Though it adopted an anti-Pakistan policy from the beginning and opposed Pakistan s membership of UNO, It also supported pakhtoonistan issue which was the invention of red shirt leader khan Abdul Ghaffar khan. Moreover Afghanistan refuses to

consider the establishment of Durand line and started demanding the redrawing of Durand line and Pakistan -afghan borders. As a result Pakistan faced a lot of problems which emanated across the Durand line. However, leadership of Pakistan shows a lot of patience and did not allow the situation to explode into incontrollable proportions. Afghanistan Support to Pakhtoonistan Stunt: Abdul Ghaffar khan started the pakhtoonistan stunt at the connivance of India, USSR and Afghanistan after the inception of Pakistan in 1947. Afghanistan leaders like king Zahir shah and Sardar Daud khan extended full moral and financial support to Ghaffar khan to keep this issue alive. Afghanistan role in Pakhtoonistans stunt created a lot of bad blood between Afghanistan and Pakistan and bitterness continued for decades. In 1949 afghan government vehemently protested on Pakistan governor generals statement that north western tribal area in frontier are a part of Pakistan. But Pakistan leadership, very wisely avoided confrontation. However, Afghanistan started a propaganda campaign. In this wake and put all efforts to rise tribal population in rebellion against Pakistan. Afghanistan even demanded that tribal people should be given a right of plebiscite to decide whether they want to join Pakistan or not. When in 1955, Pakistan establishes one unit, Afghanistan launched a great protest and Pakistan embassy in Kabul was attacked. Pakistan s flag was set ablaze and putative Pokhtoonistans flag was hoisted on Pakistan s embassy. Pakistan in protest its consulates in kandhar and jalalabad and demanded apology and guarantee of good behavior from Afghanistan and even threatened of a befitting reply. Durand Line Issue -1955: In 1954, 1955, Pakistan-afghan relations reached its lowest ebb when afghan mob attacked Pakistan s consulate in jalalabad and kandhar. Further, in 1955 great tension and bitterness in relation was created by Afghanistan claims that Durand line didnt constitute the Pakistan -afghan border. Though Durand line was the internationally recognized border but Afghanistan refused to accept this and it created a lot of enmity. To avoid any conflicts many efforts were made on international level to resolve the issue. Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Egypt offered their services to facilitate and resolve the issue. In 1955, Saudi Arabia offered to resolve Pakistan -afghan dispute which was accepted by both countries. Saudi Arabia presented new proposal for the resolving of dispute and held talks with Afghanistan authority in Kabul. Saudi prince Saad bin Abdul Rehman announce that the dispute was about to settle. Pakistan

started deliberated on Saudi proposal and arbitration when Afghanistan rejected Saudi proposal and arbitration. The bitterness continued in Pakistan -afghan relations. In 1954 and 1955 Pakistan joined SETO and CENTO and her weight on US side. USSR didnt like it and on USSR signal Afghanistan to raise such issued. Efforts to Normalize Relations: President Sikander Mirza visited Kabul in 1956 and discussed bilateral disputes with king Zahid shah. These talks took place in a very friendly atmosphere. Later, afghan prince Minster Sardar Daod visited Pakistan. Though these visits cooled down the heat in Pakistan -afghan relations but failed to normalize relations completely. PM Hussein Shaheed Suharwardi visited Afghanistan in 1957. Leaders of both countries discussed bilateral dispute and issues and issued a joint declaration at the end. With a vow to increase mutual cooperation. In 1958, king Zahir shah visited Pakistan. He held talks with PM Feroz khan noon and President Sikendar Mirza on bilateral relations and international issued. Karachi University awarded him an honorary degree of DLL. During his presence in a very important landmark agreement of transit trade took place between the two countries.

Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement: Pakistan and Afghanistan signed a transit trade agreement in 1958 which provided to Kabul transit facilities to the Karachi port. Main feature of this agreement were as under: 1. Afghan goods shall enjoy full freedom of passage through Pakistan. 2. Pakistan agreed to construct railway track from Chaman to the afghan terrority in order to facilitate the movement of goods. 3. Pakistan pledge to provide railway wagons for the carriage of afghan goods. 4. Pakistan committed to provide storage facility for afghan goods at Chaman, Peshawar and Karachi. 5. Pakistan exempted afghan goods from all excise duty and custom duties. In spite of all friendly steps taken by Pakistan, Afghanistan continued its anti-Pakistan posture and violated the terms of transit agreement. She continued anti-Pakistan propaganda and took advantage of transit

facilities for their purpose. Afghan prevented entrance of Pakistan good trucks and imposed unfair taxes on Pakistan transporters. Pakhtoonistan Issue Once Again: In 1060, Afghanistan gave an ultimatum to Pakistan that if Pakistan didnt settle the issue of pakhtoonistan with Afghanistan then Afghans should adopt alternative means to resolve it. Furthermore, Afghanistan blamed Pakistan for supporting terrorism and feelings of rebellion among Afghans masses against the government. During these developments, Afghanistan planes violated the Pakistans air boundaries, on which Pakistan put up a strong protest. It was in 1960 that it happened for the very first time in Afghanistan that the pakhtoonistan day was celebrated on official level. In 1960, Afghanistan fomented the tribesmen to raise a banner of revolt against Pakistan, but there mischiefs were ripped in the bud. Due to this anti-Pakistan attitude, Pakistan severed its diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. Even during this Pakistan respected the transit agreement. Afghanistan president Sardar Daod in 1961 offered some sort of reconciliation but bound it with such severe terms which were not acceptable for Pakistan. Tehran Agreement-1963: The Muslim world concerned at this sad development between the two countries. Irans President King Raza Shah Pehlvi played the role of mediator and succeeded in convincing both nations for restoring their links. Then in 1963 an agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan took place in Tehran. Both countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties and open their respective consulates. Thus diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were restored on 23rd may 1963. Even after the conclusion of the restoration agreement in Tehran, Afghanistan government started harping the same tune of Durand line.

A Short span of Friendly Relations: After Tehran agreement there was a considerable change and improvement in Pakistan -afghan relation. President Ayub khan met king Zahir shah of Afghanistan in 1964 and discussed bilateral relations and importance of Pakistan -afghan mutual role in international scenario. Afghanistan Neutrality in 1965 Indo-Pakistan War:

After the Tehran agreement of 1963, Afghanistan continued its hostile attitude towards Pakistan. Thus a new phase of friendly relations between the two nations started and lasted throughout the period of king Zahir shah. In the indo-Pakistan war of 1965, Afghanistan adopted a neutral attitude and didnt create any problems for Pakistan on the Durand line. At the end of the war Ayub khan went to Tashkent in January 1966, for peace talks with Indian PM. In his way to Tashkent, he visited Kabul and thanked king zahir shah for his cooperation during the war. In a joint declaration, Afghanistan even supported Pakistan stance on Kashmir issue. King Zahir Shah visit to Pakistan: In 1967, king zahir visited Pakistan and addressed the people in Lahore and Karachi. He assured Pakistan of his full support in his long stand off on Kashmir issue with India. This visit further strengthens the Pakistan Afghanistan relations. Afghanistan Neutrality in 1971 Indo-Pakistan War: In 1971, Pakistan -India war, despite the pressure from India and Russia, Afghanistan assumed a neutral position and didnt take side with any of two sides. This was a positive gesture towards Pakistan and it further strengthened neutral confidence.

Start of New Era of Bitterness and Enmity:

Sardar Dauds Government: After the 1971 Pakistan -India war, most important development which had taken place in the region was the toppling of king zahir shah government by Sardar Daud (1973). After setting aside the government USSR had installed Sardar Daud who was considers being an ardent supporter of pakhtoonistan and USSR. With the advent of Sardar Dauds government the afghan policy towards Pakistan went through a major change. Afghanistan started airing the pakhtoonistan propaganda. However, Pakistan recognized the Dauds government and offered a hand of friendship and dialogues which were rejected. Afghanistan raised the issue of pakhtoonistan first in NAM and then in UN general assembly which was against the international principles. Pakistan launched a great protest against Afghanistan attitude. Pakistans Effort to Promote Improvement in Relations:

Though Sardar Dauds anti-Pakistan attitude had created a lot of animosity in Pakistan -afghan relation, but Pakistan was still putting up efforts to bring improvement in relations with Afghanistan. PM Bhutto who had transformed Pakistan foreign policy n new pattern of bilateralism and neutrality in order to normalize relations on western borders. Doing this, he wanted to settle accounts with India and resolve all dispute with her. In this regard, Pakistan displayed a very friendly gesture when she dispatched a big financial and material assistance for earth quake strikes in Afghanistan in 1976.

High Level Visits and Improvement in Relations: To further his friendly foreign policy towards Afghanistan, PM Bhutto visited Kabul in 1976. Sardar Daud returned his visit in august 1976 and held dialogue with PM Bhutto. Both leaders gave a joint declaration to promote harmony, normalize relations and foster peaceful coexistence. It was also vowed that all kind of malign propaganda would be put to an end. All these bilateral efforts put an end to the enmity and created a feeling of friendship and goodwill at both sides. Sardar Daud who was anti-Pakistan, a little time back, now seemed to be working for promoting improvement in Pakistan -afghan relationship. The main reason for this sudden change in afghan leaderships posture was due to new foreign policy of Pakistan which was termed as bilateralism. According to this policy Pakistan also promoted friendly relationships with all big powers including USSR and USSR seemed to be happy with independent and non-allied/non-alliance foreign policy of Pakistan. Consequently, USSR also influenced afghan government to change her attitude towards Pakistan. President Zia-ul-Haq Afghanistan 1977: and His Friendly Policy toward

In 1977 president Zia ousted Bhuttos government. However, he continued Bhuttos friendly policy toward Afghanistan. Zia visited Kabul in 1977 and held talks with President Daod. Afghan president returned his visit in 1978 and both leaders declared to further promote friendship, harmony and amity. Both leaders decided to extend cooperation in trade, culture, education and many other directions. There was complete harmony in the views of both leaders related to international issued.

Bloody Revolution in Afghanistan: The thaw in Pakistan -afghan relation was on its way when there started an era of bloody revolution in Afghanistan. Sardar Daod was murdered and government was taken over by Khalak Party leader Noor Muhammad Taraki. He was also killed and government was again taken over by Hafeez-al-Ameen who assumed an anti-Pakistan posture. Though Hafeez had complete support of USSR in start but later he lost confidence of USSR. By then, USSR interference in Afghanistan had increased to a great extent. Hafeez was also killed allegedly by the agents of USSR and an ex-prime minister, Babrak Karmal who was leading exile life was installed by USSR in 1979. Babrak Karmal was a puppet of USSR. He invited USSR to send her troops in Afghanistan to restore orders and consolidate the government. Under this flimsy pretext, USSRs army landed in Afghanistan with a huge number of personnel and sophisticated weapons. International Response: USSRs direct interference in the Afghanistan directly and indirectly affected the whole world, anti-USSR demonstration took place in many countries, USA, Britain, Germany, France and other western nations strongly condemned this act of USSR and demanded an immediate withdrawal of USSRs troops from Afghanistan, which was plainly rejected by USSR. Pakistans New Foreign Policy towards Afghanistan: Due to USSRs presence on her western borders, Pakistan found herself to be in very vulnerable situation. A threat of USSRs ambitions across the Durand line was perceived by Pakistan. Even USSRs planes violated the Pakistans air limits time and again. A strong reaction at public level took place and anti-USSR demonstrations started all over Pakistan. In this regard Afghanistan problem became the corner stone of Pakistans foreign policy. The change in the Pakistan foreign policy could be analyzed in the light of following events. 1. End of Bhuttos government and marshals law in 1977 2. Islamic revolution against king of Iran in 1979. 3. USSRs direct interference and military presence in Afghanistan in 1979 All above events gave Pakistans foreign policy a new shape. USSRs military presence in Afghanistan had directly challenged the US

interest in Middle East and Persian Gulf. US desire to capitalize all the oil reserves in this region now seemed to be under soviet threat. Pakistan has assumed the status of front line state in this situation. UN and western block decided to strengthen Pakistan and use her to counter soviet ambitions in the region. Huge plans of Pakistans financial and military assistance were hatched and a complete strategy was prepared to check soviet advance towards warm waters. Afghan Refugees: The exodus to afghan refugees continued during 1980 and 1981. Pakistan had to bear the burden of more than 2,000,000 afghan refugees by the end of 1981. By September 1981, more than 2,298,767 Afghans had got themselves registered in Pakistan while more than 1.5 million had fled to Iran. Afghan Resistance: The activities of freedom fighter continued during these years. In many battles the Mujahideens inflicted heavy causalities on Babrak Karmal forces. Many afghan provinces including Herat, Kandhar, Nagar, and Nangarhar were under repeated invasions on mujahideens. Pakistans Efforts to Resolve Afghanistan Problem in UN: Pakistan made Afghanistan issue as the hub of its foreign policy and put up all his diplomatic efforts to resolve it. Due to Pakistan s and other Muslim countries efforts, UN was approached which passed a resolution in 1980 with 111 votes in favor and 22 votes against calling for a peaceful settlement of the problem, the withdrawal of soviet army, restoration of afghans independence, returns of refugees and formation of an elected government in Afghanistan. Diego Cordovez, personal representative of UN secretary-general frequently shuttled between the parties. USSR wanted that Pakistan should recognize afghan government which was refused by Pakistan; Pakistan agreed to hold indirect talks with Afghanistan. The advent of Gorbachov in USSR corridors of powers further softened the stance of USSR. Geneva Talks for Soviet Withdrawal (1982-1986): Pakistan didnt recognize the puppet afghan government therefore she refused to hold direct talk with her. At last both sides agreed to hold indirect talk through UN secretary general. This third round of UN sponsored indirect talk in Geneva between Pakistan and afghan held in august 1984, ended without any progress.

Infact the issues were inter-linked. The soviets were reluctant to announce a time table of withdrawal under international guarantees were furnished and the US refuse to offer any guarantee prior to withdrawal. The situation was further stalemated because international guarantees were not forthcoming despite Pakistans efforts to obtain them. The soviets insisted that the refugee issues should be tackled separately but Pakistan insisted an integrated approach. The situation therefore represented mistrust between the super powers. This situation continued till 1986, when USSR suggested a partial withdrawal. Babrak Karmal wanted direct talks with Pakistan but Installation of Dr. Najeebs government in 1986, eased the situation. Dr. Najeeb agreed on indirect talks. In 1987, Gorbachov manifested his desire to promote friendly ties with Asian countries and announced unilateral withdrawal without giving any time table. Geneva Agreement 1988: Since 1986 to 1988, diplomatic efforts from all quarters continued to resolve the issue. Observers from many countries payed visits and propounded many proposals to make Geneva talk successful. At last, after 8th round of rigorous talks, four countries signed an accord in April 1988, in Geneva and these talks achieved success. The UN sponsored agreement under which Soviet Union started pulling out its 115,000 troops from Afghanistan on May 15 was signed on April 14, 1988, acting as guarantors joined Afghanistan and Pakistan in a series of agreements aimed at ending a bitter nine years old conflict in the land-locked Muslim country Afghanistan. The soviet foreign minister Edward Shevardnadze and the US secretary of state, George Sheelt for the two super powers, foreign minister Abdul Wakil for Afghanistan and minister of state for foreign affairs Zain Noorani for Pakistan signed the agreement. UN secretary general Javier Perez DC presided over the historic ceremony in the council chamber of old League of Nations headquarters, the palace de nation. Following were the main points f Geneva accord for an afghan settlement. 1. Only half of the troops will be withdrawal by august 15, 1988 and the withdrawal of all the troops will be completed within nine months. 2. No interference will be made in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and Pakistan. 3. US and USSR made an agreement of guarantor to avoid interference in the affairs of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

4. Pakistan and Afghanistan made a bilateral accord on the voluntary return of afghan refugees. Late president Zia ul Haq in an exclusive interview with a panel of NPT editors and senior correspondents spoke in detail about the conditions prevailing in Afghanistan following the Geneva accord and its aftermath. He made it clear that Pakistan had not accepted any dictation with regard to signing of accord and had firmly maintained its principled stance. The main objectives of the accord from the Pakistans view point were the withdrawal of soviet troops from Afghanistan, the return of refugees to their country with honor and dignity and setting up of a government in Afghanistan which was acceptable to all sections of people. Pitfall of Geneva Accord and Its Aftermath: 1. Afghan mujahideen: Afghan mujahideen did not accept Geneva accord because they were not a party to the agreement. The Geneva accord was not binding on afghan mujahideen. 2. The Symmetry Provision: The Geneva accord was not binding on afghan mujahideen since the Soviet Union had thought it fit to adopt a negative scpnusetry rather than a positive one which meant that the soviet could wage supplies of defense equipments to the government in Afghanistan and American were free to make available arms to mujahideen.

3. Soviet allegations on Pakistan : During the second half of the 1988 the Soviet Union had been very vocal in accusing Pakistan of violating Geneva accord. USSR accused Pakistan to assist the afghan mujahideen who had waged a relentless war against the soviet occupation and Nijibs government. However, Pakistan reiterated her commitment to Geneva accord and her determination to obscure the agreement in letter and sprit. Afghan Interim Government and Pakistans Support: The afghan interim government was established. As Pakistan soil in early 1989, but could not achieve wide international recognition even among the Muslim countries.

After prolonged negotiations among various factions of afghan mujahideen, sibghatullah mujadidi was nominated as the president of AIG and Abdul Rub Rasool Saggaf as PM and Gulbadin Hykmatyar as Foreign minister. War among Rival Factions: Afghan interim government still lacked a strong and identifiable territorial bone, it excluded the eight party alliance of afghan mujahideen based in Tehran and it also did not enjoy the confidence of such important non Pakhtoon military commanders like Ahmad Shah Masud based in Panjsher valley or Ismail khan, operating in Herat. Ahmad shah masood forged critical alliance with the militia forces in the north and after defeating the afghan army went beyond the UN plans which had proposed the take over by neutral interim setup. In 1991, a mujahideen leader Jalal-ud-din Haqqani attacked and captured Khost. This success jolted the Najibs government. Pakistans Opposition of Najeebs Government: President Najeeb blames Pakistan in interfering Afghans internal affairs. Pakistan refused to hold dialogue with Najeebs government and demonstrated from UN to install some other acceptable person in place of Najeeb. UN representatives started discussing proposals on making interim government in Afghanistan with Pakistan, Iran and factions in afghan. Peshawar Accord 1992: Communist president had to resign on 16 April, 1992. On 24 th April, 1992, in governor house Peshawar, held a ceremony including leaders of almost all rival factions of afghan mujahideen agreed on a framework of an interim government. In their talks. Pakistan played and important role and PM Nawaz Sherif held dialogue with six organizations of afghan mujahideens. As a result they agreed upon the names of president and PM and other officials of the interim government and were chosen are: professor sibghat ullah mujadadi was made President for an interim period of two months. He took over the government in Afghanistan. PM Nawaz Sherif with a high level delegation visited Kabul and congratulated afghan president on assuming the president ship. Pakistan sent 10,000 tons of wheat as a gesture of good will, as assistance. With the help of Pakistan, Afghanistan joined ECO in September 1992. Failure of Peshawar Accord, Civil War and Pakistans Efforts:

Hizb e islami leader Golbadin Hikmatyar rejected Peshawar accord because he did not participate in it. As a result civil war started. Pakistan tried to bring a sort of compromise among rival sections but Junbash e Milis leader Rasheed Dostum refused to accept and chaos went on. Islamabad Accord (1993): With the combined efforts of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Islamabad accord took place in 1993 to resolve all disputes among afghan factions and bring peace in Afghanistan. Following are the main points: Burhan ud din Rabbani was made president for nest 18 months and Gulbadein Hikmatyar was made PM. It was agreed that rest of the cabinet would be chosen by the consultant on both, PM and president. An election commission would be made to hold elections in Afghanistan in 8 months to elect legislature. Legislature would formulate a constitution. A defense council will be made with members from all parties.

Though in start. This accord helped in bringing peace in Afghanistan but later a tug of war for power took place between president and PM, and civil war again started in which thousand of people were killed. Anti Pakistan activities: Seeing such a bloodshed and volatile situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan started supporting Hikmatyar. This created a feeling of animosity among the factions lead by Burhan ud din Rabbani and he sought a secret assistance from India. India started backing Rabbani and Indian influence started increasing in Afghanistan. With this anti Pakistan activities started in Afghanistan on large scale which culminated into burning up of Pakistan embassy in Kabul and high jacking of school bus in Pakistan. Pakistan, who had made so many sacrifices for the resolving afghan issue and bringing peace in Afghanistan, and bringing a Pakistan friendly government in Kabul, could not see India taking away the fruit of her sufferings. Moreover, with Indian involvement in Afghanistan, Pakistan dreams to make an access to CARS could not have come true. Thus Pakistan had to revise her afghan policy once again to handle the situation and to make her western borders safe.

Rise of Taliban: In a war torn Afghanistan, a new powerful element came to the scene in 1995 who were called as Taliban, lead by Mullah Omer. Taliban started making victories and by 1995 they had took hold of many provinces. At last, in 1996 they took hold of Kabul and established a government based on fundamentalist principles. Pakistans Support to Taliban: Being a neighbor, peace and stability in Afghanistan was of direst interest to Pakistan and Taliban had successfully established it. There were the factors on which was standing the whole building of Pakistan afghan policy. Pakistan was fully supporting Taliban. Pakistan was the only country who recognized Taliban government and established ties with them. Even relations with Taliban affected Pakistans relations with Iran who was opposing anti-Iran fundamentalist Taliban government. With the passage of time Taliban got control of a large part of Afghanistan and consolidated their hold on them. Later Saudi Arabia and UAE too recognized Taliban government. Pakistan was fully supporting Taliban, which created a lot of bad blood in anti Taliban forces, northern alliance against Pakistan. Sanctions against Opposition: Taliban Government and Pakistans

Over the time western powers blamed Taliban on harboring terrorism and supporting al-qaeda. International community also condemned Taliban on violating human rights against women and minority Shia Muslim community. However, Pakistan kept on supporting Talibans government. In 2000, UN Security Council imposed sanctions against Taliban government and Pakistan opposed these sanctions because Pakistan believed that these sanctions would badly affect poor Afghans people. However, UN recognized Rabbani government and US blamed Taliban for supporting terrorism. UNSC demanded that Taliban should immediately cease fire and surrenders Osama bin Ladin to US. Taliban turned deaf ear to these demands. Differences between Pakistan and Taliban:

In the mean while government of Pakistan got some evidence which revealed that the Taliban were involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan. Pakistan demanded Taliban to immediately stop supporting such activities but Taliban did not listen to the friendly advice and this created differences between the two neighbors. Pakistan policy was to support a stable government but when Taliban got involved in religious terrorism, it created a wide chasm between the two governments

Post 9/11 Pakistans Afghan policy: Pakistan has to revise once again its afghan policy in the after math of terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 on US. The first visible response of Pakistan to US call was the abandonment of a decade long efforts by Pakistan to turn Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. In addition to abandoning its support to Taliban, Pakistan stood at the fore front of the US coalition by providing a range of assistance to the US, including the use of military base and airports, logistic and intelligence support etc. the ultimate result was the collapse of Taliban regime in the second week of December and subsequently a new UN backed government came into power in Afghanistan. New Afghan Government and Pakistans Full Support: Boon (Germany) conference under the UN umbrella took important decisions regarding the future afghan government in 2002. Pashtoon leader Hamid Karzai was made president who later was chosen for the next term of another two years by Afghan Jirga to formulate a new constitution. ISAF forces are present in afghan to consolidate Karzais government. Pakistan fully recognized the Karzais government and fully supported it. Pakistan is extending a full cooperation for the consolidation of afghan government and reconstruction of war torn country. Difference between Pakistan and Afghan Government: Even after the installation of Karzai government by the US in afghan. Peace has been rather precarious. Neither Osama bin Ladin nor Mullah Omer has been apprehended. Resistance against the coalition forces has continued. The Taliban are part of the resistance. President Karazi blames Pakistan for treating Taliban

elements in Pakistan with leniency. Afghan government blamed that the terrorist conducting such activities take safe refuge across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan government willfully over looks their presence. Afghanistan has given a list of top Taliban leaders who is believes are hiding in Pakistan and whom it wants apprehended and extradited. On the contrary oak has vehemently denied such allegations and claims to have arrested many high ranking al-qaeda figures and handed over some of them to US. Pakistan Long Term Interests in Afghanistan: Political interests: Pakistans foremost political interest is to see strong, stable and united Afghanistan with a Pakistan friendly government giving the pashtoons their due share in power. Economic interests: A peaceful Afghanistan that enables the laying oil and gas pipeline from CARS, through afghan terrority to Pakistan. Moreover, CARS represents a huge market for Pakistani goods. Afghanistan is a landlocked county and Pakistan can give access to its harbors. Security Interests: A stable and united Afghanistan with a Pakistan friendly government will result in a secure western border. Both countries want to eradicate terrorism from their countries to bring stability in Afghanistan. Reconstruction of Afghanistan: Pakistan wants to participate in reconstruction of Afghanistan and want to see Afghanistan stable and prosperous country. Divergence of Interests: Following are a few areas of divergence; 1. Islamabad is faced with the nightmare of a failing neighbors, damaging Pakistans long existing friendly relations with Iran and hindering, instead of facilitating access and cooperation with CARS. 2. There is legacy of mistrust and hostility between Afghanistan and Pakistan due to many incidents in the past. 3. Durand line remains an irritant between both countries. 4. Influence of external players. 5. Afghanistan blames Pakistan of Taliban elements who want to destabilize Afghanistan government.

6. Increasing Indian influence in Afghanistan and opening of Indian consulates in many cities of Afghanistan. Pakistan-Afghan Relations (2010): The misunderstanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan should not be attributed to the policies of Kabul alone. Our abrupt changes in the foreign policy in tackling the situation in Afghanistan after the US attacks and the subsequent fall of the Taliban have contributed to the Afghans hostility towards Pakistan. If Islamabad and Kabul avoid misunderstanding in future. To avoid any problems, Afghanistan and Pakistan must establish trust on each other; discuss all issues on bilateral level, without any third party mediation. Such a policy may push the US, India and Iran out of the equation and pave the way for durable friendship between the two countries. Karzai should also realize that Afghanistans problem stems from persistent foreign interventions. Karzai needs to hold direct talks with the Taliban and mist satisfy their demands including the demand for outer of foreign forces from the Afghanistan. Pakistan has legitimate interests in Afghanistan and as such, karzai should heed Islamabads call for the protection of Pakistan interests. Reciprocally, Pakistan must support him to play a positive role in the development of reconciliation between Taliban and Kabul. The geopolitical and geo-strategic enviourment of Afghanistan of the next decade will be determine by the converging interest of its neighbors, i-e Russia, china, Iran, the central Asian states and the US. If we are looking for a peace in Afghanistan we have to accommodate the interests of other. And therefore Pakistan needs to recalibrate its position on afghan. It means harmonizing Pakistans geo-strategic interests with Afghanistan and regional neighbors and real accommodation of some US and NATO interests.