Sajjad Ahmed Cheema

The critical evaluation of the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan after the repatriation of illegal Afghans in Pakistan is a complex and sensitive topic. There are different perspectives and arguments on how this process has affected the political, economic, and social aspects of both countries.

One perspective is that the repatriation of illegal Afghans in Pakistan has improved the security situation and reduced the burden on Pakistan’s resources. According to this view, the presence of illegal Afghans in Pakistan posed a threat to the country’s stability, as some of them were involved in terrorist activities, criminal networks, and drug trafficking. Moreover, the illegal Afghans consumed a large amount of Pakistan’s public services, such as health, education, and infrastructure, without contributing to the economy or paying taxes. Therefore, by sending them back to Afghanistan, Pakistan has enhanced its national security and freed up its resources for its own citizens.

Another perspective is that the repatriation of illegal Afghans in Pakistan has worsened the humanitarian situation and increased the tension between the two countries. According to this view, the illegal Afghans in Pakistan were mostly refugees who fled from war and violence in their homeland, and who had no choice but to seek shelter and livelihood in Pakistan. Many of them had lived in Pakistan for decades, and had established social and cultural ties with the local communities. By forcing them to return to Afghanistan, Pakistan has violated their human rights and dignity, and exposed them to further hardship and danger. Moreover, the repatriation process has been marred by allegations of harassment, coercion, and abuse by the Pakistani authorities, which has fueled resentment and hostility among the Afghans towards Pakistan.

A third perspective is that the repatriation of illegal Afghans in Pakistan has created an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. According to this view, the repatriation process has been a result of mutual agreement and coordination between the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the support of the United Nations and other international partners. The process has been conducted in a gradual, voluntary, and dignified manner, respecting the rights and preferences of the illegal Afghans. By working together on this issue, Afghanistan and Pakistan have demonstrated their willingness and ability to resolve their differences peacefully and constructively, and to foster a more positive and productive relationship in the future.

The intricate relationships between Afghanistan and Pakistan can be understood by the following issues and dimensions. 

• The historical roots of the border dispute: The Durand Line was drawn by the British colonial authorities in 1893 as a way of demarcating their sphere of influence from that of Afghanistan. The line was based on a treaty signed by the Afghan king Dost Mohammad and the British representative Sir Mortimer Durand. However, the treaty was vague and ambiguous, and did not specify the exact location and extent of the border. Moreover, the treaty was not ratified by the Afghan parliament, and was seen by many Afghans as a violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Durand Line also divided the Pashtun tribes, who inhabit both sides of the border, and created a sense of alienation and resentment among them. The border dispute has remained unresolved since then, and has been a source of conflict and instability in the region.

• The security implications of the border dispute: The porous and disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has enabled the movement of militants, terrorists, and criminals across the border. The most prominent example of this is the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is an umbrella organization of various militant groups that seek to overthrow the Pakistani state and establish a Taliban-style regime. The TTP has been responsible for numerous attacks in Pakistan, including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, which killed 132 children. The TTP has also been accused of having links with the Afghan Taliban, which has recently regained power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the US-led forces. The Afghan Taliban has denied any connection with the TTP, and has pledged to not allow any group to use its territory to launch attacks against other countries. However, many observers doubt the sincerity and capability of the Afghan Taliban to prevent the TTP from operating in Afghanistan . The border dispute also poses a challenge for the management of the Afghan refugee crisis, which has been one of the largest and longest in the world. Pakistan hosts over 3.5 million Afghan refugees, who have fled the war and violence in their country. While many of them have contributed to the economy and society of Pakistan, some of them have also been involved in criminal and extremist activities. The lack of proper documentation and registration of the refugees makes it difficult to monitor and regulate their movement and status. The border dispute also hampers the efforts to repatriate the refugees to their homeland, as many of them fear for their safety and security in Afghanistan.

• The economic opportunities and challenges of the border dispute: The border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan also has significant economic implications for both countries. On the one hand, the border dispute creates barriers and obstacles for trade and transit between the two countries, which affects their growth and development. The border dispute also facilitates smuggling and corruption, which undermines the legal and formal economy of both countries. On the other hand, the border dispute also creates opportunities for economic cooperation and integration between the two countries, which can benefit both of them. Afghanistan and Pakistan have a high degree of economic interdependence, as Afghanistan relies on Pakistan for access to international markets and imports of essential goods, while Pakistan benefits from Afghan trade and the presence of Afghan refugees. Both countries have signed several agreements and initiatives to enhance their economic ties, such as the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These agreements and initiatives aim to facilitate trade and transit, improve infrastructure and connectivity, and promote regional cooperation and stability .

The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a complex and delicate one, shaped by historical grievances, economic interdependence, and security concerns. The border dispute between the two countries is a major factor that influences their relationship, and has both positive and negative impacts on their interests and aspirations. Resolving the border dispute is essential for building trust and cooperation between the two countries, and for ensuring peace and prosperity in the region. 

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