Bridging Nations: Rethinking Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
Things are not always the same as we think. It has been one year since I came to Pakistan. Before coming here, I had a lot of anxiety about how I would live in this country and how the people would treat me. Since my childhood, I had always heard that there are tensions and conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I had a negative image of it in my mind. But when I entered Pakistan, things were so different from what I had imagined. People welcomed us warmly. Their hospitality, kindness, and support changed the way I thought about them. People’s behavior was not the same as it was portrayed in the media. It made me realize the difference between the politics of the two countries and the humanitarian relationships among their people.
When it comes to the governments of these two countries, both have always had conflicts and challenges—from the Durand Line to border issues, political problems, terrorist groups, and the mistrust among their politicians. The media often gives a distorted social image to the people. But when we move away from politics and government issues, the image of the common people is very different and more normal. The people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are not only neighbors; they also share a common history, language, culture, and even challenges like terrorism. The people of both countries have experienced the same sufferings, which help them understand each other.
There are millions of Afghans living and working in Pakistan, which has even led to family ties such as marriages. During the wars in Afghanistan, many people migrated to Pakistan, and the people here gave them space without considering the political conflicts between their governments. The main problem is that the politicians on both sides mostly act in their own interests or focus on rivalry to gain external support. But if we look deeper, the people of both societies don’t want war and conflict. Instead, they want peace and cooperation. Many people in Afghanistan have relatives in Pakistan, and many people in Pakistan have Afghan friends. Hundreds of Afghan students are studying in Pakistan, which can create a soft image of the country. I myself am an Afghan student studying in Pakistan, and I have not seen any bad reaction or behavior from its people. I have been here for a year, and what I have received from my Pakistani friends and teachers is love, support, and kindness. We don’t see each other as enemies or threats.
The important point here is that these two countries need each other. Afghanistan cannot develop without the cooperation of its neighboring countries. For example, Afghanistan is a landlocked country and needs access to Pakistan’s ports for trade. If Afghanistan does not have a good relationship with Pakistan, this country may not allow it to use the ports, which can severely hurt its economy. Pakistan also cannot ensure its own security if Afghanistan is not secure, because they are very close neighbors. So, these two countries are dependent on each other in terms of economy, security, and even culture. If both governments work together, it will help them develop. For example, if the transit routes between these two countries remain open and secure, trade between Asia and the Middle East will improve significantly. Afghanistan and Pakistan both suffer from terrorism and drug smuggling, so they must work together to combat these issues.
However, while the common people of both societies are good to each other, we should not ignore the existing conflicts. There are real conflicts between some people as well, especially those living near the borders. Afghanistan and Pakistan have always had border conflicts, which sometimes lead to violent clashes. This can harm the image of both nations, especially when people or soldiers lose their lives in these conflicts. Pakistan’s long-standing support for the Taliban has also created mistrust among Afghan people.
As an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, I have realized that if both nations stand together, they can reshape their relationship in the eyes of the world. Politicians should listen to the voices of the people. The problem has always been that leaders and politicians do what benefits themselves; they do not care about common people. But if they do listen, the situation can change. As an Afghan, I never want my country to have conflicts with Pakistan. We don’t want wars or hostility—we want peace, cooperation, security, development, and friendship. I believe these are the shared desires of both nations.
The media also plays a major role. Instead of always highlighting conflicts, they should also report positive developments. Schools and universities in both countries should talk about building strong relationships. They should teach cultural respect, and there should even be cultural exchange programs. These efforts can prepare the new generations to see that Pakistan and Afghanistan can be close friends.
Still, there are conflicts between the two governments. Border issues remain unresolved. Political problems continue. Pakistan has deported thousands of Afghan refugees, even those who have lived here since childhood. The Torkham border was closed for over a month this year, causing significant economic damage. Currently, there are also tensions between the Taliban and the government of Pakistan. All these challenges worsen the situation, and it is the common people who suffer the most.
The future depends on both sides. If the two governments work together, there will be peace. But if they fail to cooperate, the conflicts will continue. The world has changed—no country can develop alone. Progress is only possible through cooperation, unity, and mutual respect. The people of both nations deserve peace and security. The opportunity to live in friendship and harmony should be given to both countries.
