Another Crucial Factor in Regional Dynamics: Arch Indo-Pak Relations
Resolving Pakistan’s internal governance crisis is key to addressing external challenges. Empowering democratic institutions and allowing leaders who genuinely represent the people to take charge will enable Pakistan to navigate its conflicts with Afghanistan and India, eliminate terrorism, and restore economic stability…… By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
Afghanistan, sharing a 2,500 km border with Pakistan, has posed persistent challenges since Pakistan’s creation in 1947. Historically, Afghanistan was the only country to oppose Pakistan’s
United Nations membership in September 1947, reflecting deep-rooted mistrust. It also refused to recognize the Durand Line—a 2,640-kilometer boundary established in 1893 through an agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand of British India and Afghan ruler Abdur Rahman Khan. This border remains a contentious issue, with Afghanistan claiming parts of northern Pakistan as its own territory.
From the outset, Afghanistan backed Pashtun nationalism and opposed Pakistan’s territorial integrity. Prominent Pashtun leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as Bacha Khan or “Frontier Gandhi,” was a vocal critic of Pakistan’s creation. Although he later pledged allegiance to Pakistan, his ties with India and support from Afghanistan fuelled regional tensions. Bacha Khan’s Khudai Khidmatgar movement received backing from the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), which later aligned with the Soviet Union during its 1978 invasion.
The Soviet Invasion and Its Fallout
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 profoundly affected Pakistan, introducing the “Kalashnikov culture” and fostering a heroin (Drug) trade that continues to plague its society. Pakistan welcomed over four million Afghan refugees, offering them sanctuary. However, the long-term effects were destabilizing. Many refugees settled permanently, with some illegally acquiring Pakistani citizenship. Reports indicate that over one million Afghans still reside illegally in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Punjab, and Karachi. This influx strained Pakistan’s resources, fuelled drug and arms proliferation, and tarnished its global image.
Pakistan’s support for the Taliban during their 1996–2001 rule, initially encouraged by the United States, added to regional complexities. The Taliban’s harsh policies under the guise of Islamic Sharia fostered extremism within Pakistan, giving rise to groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP has carried out numerous attacks on Pakistani soil, exacerbating security challenges and undermining the state’s authority.
Post-9/11: A New Era of Turmoil
The 9/11 attacks in the United States marked another turning point. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between the USA and the Taliban, the latter’s refusal to surrender Osama bin Laden led to a USA-led invasion of Afghanistan. Under late General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan aligned with the USA -led war on terror—a decision that came at a high cost. Pakistan became a target for terrorist groups, further destabilizing its northern regions.
The discovery and killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad—a city near Capital Islamabad and the Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi—in May 2011 deepened suspicions about Pakistan’s role in regional conflicts. Military operations against the TTP have seen limited success, with daily attacks on Pakistani soldiers underscoring the group’s resilience. Meanwhile, the military establishment’s dominance over political affairs has hindered effective governance, leaving the country vulnerable to both internal and external threats.
Internal Governance Crisis
Pakistan’s internal political and economic crises further complicate its ability to address regional challenges. The military’s pervasive influence over civilian institutions has stifled democratic progress. Popular political leader Imran Khan, seen by many as capable of addressing Afghanistan’s challenges and fostering regional peace, has been side-lined by the establishment by charging over 200 fake cases and isolated in a jail cell. A lack of judicial independence and allegations of rigged elections in February 2023 have further eroded public trust in governance.
Economic struggles, coupled with political instability, weaken Pakistan’s capacity to tackle pressing issues. The side-lining of leaders with widespread public support reflects a broader resistance to change within the ruling elite, exacerbating the country’s problems.
The Kashmir Factor and Indo-Pak Relations
The decades-long Kashmir dispute continues to define Pakistan’s turbulent relationship with India. Pakistan often accuses India of supporting separatist movements, including the independence movement in East Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Despite these tensions, the two countries share a common cultural and historical heritage. Increasingly, people on both sides recognize the potential benefits of fostering peaceful relations. However, entrenched political and ideological divides hinder diplomatic progress.
A Path Forward for Pakistan
To address its myriad challenges, Pakistan must prioritize national unity and stability through genuine democratic reforms. This includes releasing political prisoners, reinstating judicial independence, and ensuring transparent elections. A government with true public representation is essential for addressing border disputes and fostering peaceful relations with both sides of the borders – Afghanistan and India.
Securing borders, curbing cross-border terrorism, and promoting economic cooperation with Afghanistan are critical steps. A stable Afghanistan would mitigate security threats and open avenues for regional trade. Pakistan’s role in facilitating negotiations between the Taliban and the international community remains pivotal but must be balanced with safeguarding its sovereignty.
Resolving Pakistan’s internal governance crisis is key to addressing external challenges. Empowering democratic institutions and allowing leaders who genuinely represent the people to take charge will enable Pakistan to navigate its conflicts with Afghanistan and India, eliminate terrorism, and restore economic stability. Bold reforms and a commitment to unity are essential for Pakistan to reclaim its potential on the regional and global stage.
(The writer, Syed Atiq ul Hassa, is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and author and editor Tribune International (Australia). His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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