ABSTRACT
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have essentially remained estranged – despite their shared geography, ethni-city and faith. The only departure perhaps would be the four years of Taliban rule. While the principal historical cause of this has been the unresolved issue of the Durand Line. Tensions and suspicion between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also emanated from their divergent strategic outlook and dissimilar national ethos. It is important to note that Afghanistan was the only country to oppose Pakistan’s admission to the United Nations, conditioning its recognition upon the provision that the right of self-determination be given to the people of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP).1 Afghanistan can be seen as a ‘hyphen’ between the South and Central Asian security networks. With India in the east, Pakistan can ill-aord an irredentist neighbour in the west. Since 1947 both countries have interfered in each other’s domestic aairs. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan gave Pakistan suitable opportunity to wage a proxy war in Afghanistan, garnering the support of Western and Arab allies. Since the end of Cold War, Pakistan has been more conscious and proactive about maintaining her inuence and control over Afghanistan, the result being the creation and support of the Taliban.
