No progress is possible without regional connectivity, and this phrase resembles Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan. The two South Asian countries share a 2,670-kilometer-long border called the Durand line, but despite their close proximity, their mutual trade is still less than 3 billion dollars. There are also some underlying reasons behind this unprecedented relationship, which need to be resolved through dialogue.

The internal situation in Afghanistan has been unstable and uncertain for almost half of a century due to the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the 9/11 attacks.  In August 2021, the withdrawal of the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces created a power vacuum in Afghanistan, which the Taliban had taken advantage of in the shape of the Kabul takeover in August 2021. These wars have had severe effects on Pakistan in the shape of terrorism, the influx of refugees, and the economy.

Pakistan offered full support to Taliban leadership in the negotiation process and played the role of mediator in the Doha talks. In the Doha agreement, it was emphasized that Afghanistan would not support any terrorist elements from its territory, but the opposite happened. Pakistan has conveyed grave concerns to the Interim Afghan Government (IAG) regarding the activities of the terrorist group Tekhrek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is active alongside the border area. Islamabad has called on Kabul to take strong measures to dismantle such groups, citing the need for decisive security measures to prevent cross-border attacks and promote regional peace and stability.

The IAG continuously denied the presence of terrorist outfits and called it a mere allegation that had strained the bilateral relations. This non-serious attitude of the IAG cost the lives of many Pakistan soldiers and civilians. In attempts to curtail the reemergence of terrorism, Islamabad has repeatedly attacked terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan with intelligence base operations. These attempts have, however, put a strain on the relationship between the countries.

The government of Pakistan has had a tough stance towards illegal Afghan immigrants who are involved in unlawful activities. With more than 4.4 million Afghan nationals in Pakistan, 1.7 million of them illegal, officials say Afghan immigrants carried out 14 of 24 suicide attacks in 2023. Eight of the bombers who attacked military targets in Balochistan were Afghan. Islamabad has carried out large-scale deportations, sending 813,300 back to Afghanistan in 2025. The actions are intended to stem elevating crime and terrorism, but on the other side, Pakistan puts humanitarian relations under strain and scapegoats immigrants for broader socioeconomic issues.

Despite ongoing security issues, Pakistan has also made a reconciliatory approach towards the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (I.E.A.) to enhance regional stability. The flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan embassy in Kabul was conducted, in which Ambassador Sadiq Khan shed light on the prevailing situation between the two nations. The envoy also emphasized that regional connectivity and cooperation are possible under the umbrella of sustainable peace. The visit also signifies Pakistan's commitment to enduring peace and development, as through successful negotiation, the reopening of the Torkham border is a proactive step to enhance trade and connectivity.

Pakistan's envoy in Kabul also raises the issue of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. TTP, whose main agenda is to sabotage regional peace, is now a serious threat to bilateral relations. TTP targets the state's infrastructure and security forces, which is indeed a thin line of trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The presence of such groups as ISIS-Khorasan and TTP is also straining I.E.A's image in the international community. These organizations are inspired by Al-Qaeda, an internationally banned terrorist organization which works under the guise of expansionist and Takfir ideology: A claimed legitimacy to declare someone infidel. However, by assisting such groups, I.E.A. will lose its credibility, as its policies will go in contradiction against the true essence of Islam.

Regional connectivity relies on Afghanistan, connecting Central Asian countries with Pakistan and China. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of the Built-Road Initiative (BRI) project, can foster economic activity and pay the way for investment. However, it is only possible through sustainable peace and better laws and order. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project is another development that could address energy scarcity. In this coercive world structure, cooperation is pivotal. Without it, the state will likely lose its way to regional integration and interdependence.

Dialogue and inclusivity are the way forward. Collaborating for common goals is beneficial, and this can be fostered through joint efforts. Anti-terrorism policies should be implemented, as this will curtail the reemergence of terrorism across the borders.   

Abdul Mussawer Safi is a Pakistani international relations graduate keen on South Asian regional politics. He has been affiliated with think tanks such as Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad (IPS), Pak- Afghan Youth Forum (PAYF), and South Asia Times (SAT). He Twittets at @MussawerSafi1999.