Pak-Afghan Relations: A Case of Taliban Regime Past and Present

Abstract

In 1996, Afghanistan saw the establishment of the Taliban government, which emerged as a radical Islamist regime following a period of civil war and instability in the country. The regime received recognition from only a few countries, including Pakistan, while the rest of the international community largely rejected their rule. In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations entered a complex and often contentious phase. The United States invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime and dismantle Al-Qaeda had a profound impact on the region. Pakistan, which had previously supported the Taliban, had to recalibrate its policies as it joined the U.S.-led War on Terror. While Pakistan officially became a U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism, suspicions persisted on both sides. Afghanistan accused Pakistan of supporting militant elements within its territory, while Pakistan expressed concerns about Indian influence in Afghanistan. These tensions have had far-reaching consequences, contributing to instability in both countries and complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace in Afghanistan. Pak-Afghan relations during Hamid Karzai's government (2001-2014) were marked by cautious cooperation and a degree of diplomatic engagement. Pakistan officially recognized the Karzai administration, but underlying tensions persisted due to Afghan allegations of Pakistani support for insurgent groups. In contrast, during the Taliban government's rule in the 1990s and their return to power in 2021, Pakistan had recognized and provided significant support to the Taliban. This research analyzes the relations between Pak-Afghan past and present.