PAK-AFGHAN BORDER: ASSESSING PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS AFGHANISTAN DURING ASHRAF GHANI ERA (2014-2020)

Abstract

Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained controversial and strained during Ashraf Ghani era and much of it can be attributed to the fencing of Pak-Afghan border as well as Pakistan’s foreign and security policies towards Afghanistan and vice versa. Policies of President Ghani over the course of his Presidency predominantly depicted an anti-Pakistan posture despite the fact that Pakistan facilitated Afghan Peace Process and played a crucial role in the conclusion of Doha Agreement. Several factors contributed to Afghanistan’s opposition towards Pakistan during Ghani era. This included fencing of the border, Afghan refugees, militancy in the Af-Pak border region, Indian nexus with Afghan governments to create instability in Pakistan, attack on the security of Pakistan by TTP and TTA as well as the economic challenges faced by the traders of both sides. President Ghani’s vocal support to PTM also infuriated the political and military establishment of Pakistan and hence series of conflicting issues added to the toxicity in the relationship. This research studies will critically analyze the challenges between Pakistan and Afghanistan during Ghani regime and how it impacted the nature of relationship between the two neighbouring states