Pak Afghan Relations After United States Withdrawal Outlook

Exploring the complex and challenging relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been one of the most critical issues in the South Asian region.This study aims to investigate the potential for improved Pak-Afghan relations following the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021.The exit of US troops from Afghanistan has created an opportunity for reshaping the future of Pak-Afghan relations,opening a new chapter in the region’s history.The US-led coalition’s invasion of Afghanistan in 2001,prompted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City,aimed to eliminate the Taliban government and Al-Qaeda terrorists who had taken refuge in the country.Pakistan,with its long and porous border with Afghanistan,became an essential player in the US-led war against terrorism.Various factors,such as historical,cultural,ethnic,and political differences,have complicated the Pak-Afghan relationship.Afghanistan has persistently accused Pakistan of offering sanctuary to Taliban militants and supporting them in their insurgency against the Afghan government.Conversely,Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of providing refuge to anti-Pakistan militants,such as the Baloch separatists and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan(TTP).The US-led war in Afghanistan brought a new dynamic to the Pak-Afghan relationship.Pakistan played a crucial role in supporting the US-led coalition’s military operations in Afghanistan by providing logistical support,intelligence sharing,and access to its air and ground transportation network.However,Pakistan’s support for the US-led war faced criticism from both the US and Afghanistan,as the country did not do enough to eliminate the Taliban sanctuaries in its tribal areas.For two decades,the US-led coalition conducted military operations in Afghanistan,dedicating a substantial number of troops and resources to the conflict.Despite these efforts,a lasting solution to the Afghan conflict was not achieved,as the Taliban insurgency grew stronger,and the Afghan government remained weak and fragmented.In 2021,the United States declared its plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan,signifying the end of the lengthy military intervention in the country.This withdrawal has generated a new array of challenges and opportunities for Pak-Afghan relations.The Taliban has now taken control of Afghanistan,forming a new government.Pakistan is advocating for an inclusive government in Afghanistan,with participation from all ethnic groups and political factions.The outlook for Pak-Afghan relations after the US withdrawal depends on several factors.One of the most critical factors is the Taliban’s connection with Pakistan.Pakistan has maintained close ties with the Taliban and has been accused of providing them with shelter and support.However,the Taliban’s return to power presents new challenges for Pakistan.The Taliban government’s policies on issues such as women’s rights and international relations are expected to draw scrutiny,and Pakistan’s association with the Taliban may become more intricate.Additionally,the Afghan government’s stance towards Pakistan will also impact Pak-Afghan relations.In the past,the Afghan government has accused Pakistan of aiding the Taliban insurgency,straining relations between the two countries.The Taliban government’s relationship with Pakistan could influence the Afghan government’s position on Pakistan,and a friendly Taliban government may lead to an improvement in relations between the two countries.Finally,the role of regional players such as China and India will be instrumental in shaping the future of Pak-Afghan relations.Both countries have significant economic and strategic interests in the region and have participated in various initiatives aimed at promoting stability and development in Afghanistan.China has been a crucial player in the region,having invested in multiple infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is intricate,riddled with historical and geopolitical complexities.The US has been heavily involved in the region,particularly in Afghanistan,for the past two decades,with its military presence being the defining feature of the conflict in the country since 2001.However,with the recent withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan,it is crucial to examine the prospects of Pak-Afghan relations in the post-US withdrawal period.The US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 had a significant impact on Pak-Afghan relations.Pakistan became a frontline state in the US-led war on terror,providing vital support to the US in its military campaign against the Taliban.However,despite this support,Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan remained tense due to its perceived assistance to the Taliban and other extremist groups.Several factors are likely to shape Pak-Afghan relations in the post-US withdrawal period.The security situation in Afghanistan is paramount,with concerns that the Taliban’s return to power could once again make Afghanistan a safe haven for terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.This is a significant concern for Pakistan,which has previously been the target of terrorist attacks by these groups.The issue of the Durand Line is another factor that could shape Pak-Afghan relations.Afghanistan has never recognized the Durand Line as an international border,leading to constant tensions between the two countries.With the Taliban now in power,there are concerns that they may raise the issue again,resulting in renewed tensions.Moreover,there are concerns about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan,particularly regarding the treatment of women and minorities in the country.This is a significant concern for Pakistan,which has a large Pashtun population sharing ethnic and cultural ties with the Pashtuns in Afghanistan.The future of Pak-Afghan relations after the US withdrawal remains uncertain,with the possibility of increased tensions between the two countries due to the Taliban’s return to power.However,there are also opportunities for the two nations to collaborate on addressing common issues such as terrorism and extremism.One potential area for cooperation could be border management,which has been a concern for both countries.The porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been exploited by terrorists and smugglers to cross the border.With the Taliban in control,there may be an opportunity for the two nations to work together to strengthen border management and prevent the movement of terrorists and smugglers.