Q.5 Critically discuss main political, socio-economic and strategic hurdles between “Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations” and how can both countries come out from the Cold War scenario? 2016

Afghanistan and Pakistan have had a complex relationship over the years, marked by political, socio-economic, and strategic hurdles. These issues have led to a deterioration of relations between the two countries and have hindered efforts to build a more stable and peaceful region. In this essay, we will discuss the main issues and suggest ways to improve the situation.

Political Hurdles: One of the main political hurdles between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the issue of cross-border terrorism. Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of supporting Taliban insurgents and providing safe havens to them, while Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of supporting anti-Pakistan militants. This has led to mistrust and tension between the two countries.

Socio-economic Hurdles: The socio-economic hurdles between Afghanistan and Pakistan are related to border management, trade, and refugee issues. The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is poorly managed, which has led to illegal border crossings and the smuggling of goods and weapons. There is also a lack of formal trade between the two countries, which has hurt both economies. Moreover, the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is a major source of tension, as Pakistan has been hosting millions of refugees for decades, putting a strain on its economy and social services.

Strategic Hurdles: The strategic hurdles between Afghanistan and Pakistan are related to regional geopolitics. Both countries are situated in a volatile region with competing interests and alliances. Afghanistan has traditionally been aligned with India, while Pakistan has been aligned with China. Moreover, both countries have been affected by the US-led war on terror, which has further complicated their strategic interests.

To come out from the Cold War scenario, both countries need to address these issues in a constructive and collaborative manner. The following are some suggestions:

1. Address the issue of cross-border terrorism: Afghanistan and Pakistan need to work together to address the issue of cross-border terrorism. They should share intelligence and cooperate in taking action against militants operating on their territory.
2. Improve border management: The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to be better managed to prevent illegal border crossings, smuggling, and other illegal activities. Both countries need to work together to improve border infrastructure and management.
3. Increase trade: Formal trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to be increased to boost economic cooperation. This would require the removal of trade barriers and the development of infrastructure to facilitate trade.
4. Address refugee issues: Pakistan needs to work with Afghanistan and the international community to find a long-term solution to the issue of Afghan refugees. This could involve supporting the repatriation of refugees or finding ways to integrate them into Pakistani society.
5. Address strategic interests: Afghanistan and Pakistan need to find ways to address their strategic interests in a way that does not harm each other’s security. This could involve engaging with regional powers such as China, India, and the United States to find common ground.

In conclusion, Afghanistan and Pakistan need to work together to address the political, socio-economic, and strategic hurdles that have hampered their relations. While this is a challenging task, it is necessary to build a more stable and peaceful region.