'From allies to enemies': The 40-year rollercoaster of Pakistan–Afghanistan relations

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan began with tension, not friendship. Upon Pakistan’s creation in 1947, Afghanistan refused to recognise the Durand Line as the official border, centring a territorial dispute that persists today.

In the 1970s, Afghanistan supported Pashtun nationalist movements in Pakistan’s tribal regions, while Pakistan covertly backed anti-Kabul groups. This period saw both nations treating each other as battlegrounds for influence rather than neighbours.

Pakistan, backed by the US, supported Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet invasion. Afghanistan viewed Pakistan’s role with suspicion, while Pakistan hoped to shape the post-Soviet state. The emergence of the Taliban changed dynamics yet again.

After 9/11, Pakistan became a US ally in the Afghan war. Yet Kabul repeatedly accused Islamabad of supporting the Pakistani Taliban. Cooperation existed, yet mutual distrust deepened.

With the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s influence has waned. Recent border incidents, such as airstrikes and cross-fire highlight how the relationship has shifted from partner to adversary.

Despite shared religion, ethnicity and geography, trust has repeatedly crumbled. The Durand Line, tribal affinities, refugee flows and militant cross-border movements all make cooperation harder, even though underlying commonalities remain.

With major border clashes, mutual accusations and foreign powers circling the region, Pakistan–Afghanistan ties face a crucial test. Whether they rebuild cooperation or descend further into rivalry will shape South-Central Asia for decades.