Islamabad : Complexities in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and the deep-seated structural flaws within the Taliban regime, such as the lack of a well-defined authority structure, political fragmentation, absence of credible action against the terror outfit Terheek-i-Taliban Pakistan, a tilt towards India and divisive media narratives, have prevented the two countries from realising the full potential of their relationship and contributed to recent border hostilities, said experts during a discussion here on Thursday.
According to them, addressing these challenges will require sustained political will, the establishment of verifiable engagement mechanisms and a shift from reactive to strategic diplomacy grounded in a balanced, mutually respectful, and forward-looking approach. This should be characterised by effective communication, cooperation, sensitivity to each other’s national concerns, and a shared focus on regional interests.
The event titled ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: A Multidimensional View,’ was organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, which brought together diplomats, academics, defence analysts and journalists.
The speakers included IPS chairman Khalid Rahman, vice-chairman Ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain, QAU HoD Defence and Strategic Studies Prof Dr Shabana Fiaz, international affairs expert Major General (r) Inam-ul-Haque, defence analyst Brigadier (r) Said Nazir, journalist Tahir Khan, security and political analyst Dr Ashraf Ali, managing director at PICSS Dr Abdullah Khan, director general at the South Asia Times Salman Javed, associate professor at the QAU National Institute of Intelligence and Security Studies Dr Khuram Iqbal and HoD International Relations at FUUAST Dr Faisal Javaid.
The speakers observed that since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, the group has been transitioning from a religious movement to a nationalist force seeking legitimacy at home and abroad amid an apparent disconnect with its population. According to them, Pakistan has exercised “strategic patience” as a conduit for engagement.
The discussion emphasized that both sides must reframe their narratives, strengthen institutional linkages across political, defense, economic and cultural domains, and craft a sustainable framework rooted in mutual respect and shared regional stability.