Examples Of Political Constraints Between Pakistan And Afghanistan

Political Constraints: Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are hostage to the legacy of historical discord on the, “Durand Line ” drawn in 1896 by the then British Government and was inherited by Pakistan as a border between the two countries. This had not been accepted as permanent border by many factions in Afghanistan and the issue has been inherited by Pakistan. The relations between the countries had been marred by distrust over the geographical divide. Pakistan had been apprehending that many successive Afghan Governments had been fueling the sentiment of forming a greater Pakhtunkhwa state amalgamating the territory on Pakistan side. On the other hand Afghan governments had been fearing that Pakistan was trying to destabilize successive Afghan governments to install favourable governments. During Russian invasion from December 1979 to February 1989, Pakistan provided all the support that was needed by Afghanistan and allies to thwart Russian invasion and also hosted over 3 million refugees. This resulted in good will with the Taliban Government which followed the end of Russian invasion but the situation changed after 9/11. This situation, however, did not last long. The present situation is that once again the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are
This has been created by ill informed, fanatic and adamant sections of society and media on both sides of the Durand Line. Any news about consideration of construction of a dam on Kabul River in Afghanistan is projected as a bad news. Similarly any efforts from Pakistan side to work with Afghan Government for mutual understanding on water issues is seen with suspicion in Afghanistan. The media on both sides generally does not play a constructive role to help bridge the gulf in perception about water development. Lobbies and media of a third country are also allegedly taking advantage of this