AREAS OF CONFLICT BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN (2021-2024): AN ANALYSIS

Abstract

Pak-Afghan relations have passed through many ups and downs during the political history of the two countries. The issue of the validity of the Pak-Afghan border has been of utmost importance due to its historical importance and divergent views by the two states. The end of the twenty years long war in Afghanistan in August 2021 provided the Taliban with the opportunity to retake power in the country. Lack of mutual trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the repatriation of the Afghan refugees resulted in the closure of the Pak-Afghan border catering for open conflict. This study aims at analyzing the areas of conflict between the two countries while focusing on the Pak-Afghan trade, issues of Afghan refugees’ return to their country and the resultant closure of the Pak-Afghan border. Main findings of the study include the discontinuation of the Pak-Afghan trade along the border, the era of direct confrontation between the two states and the quest for regional peace and stability.