Strained neighbours: the impact of Afghanistan’s transition processes on conflict in Pakistan

Capacities for Peace project

Peace and conflict dynamics in Pakistan are deeply intertwined with events in Afghanistan. Relations between the two countries have however been characterised by mutual mistrust and hostility since at least 1947. During this time, Pakistan has pursued an interventionist policy towards Afghanistan, primarily driven by the perceived need to secure influence and support in Kabul so as to avoid ‘encirclement’ by India. In practice, this has entailed providing support to various Afghan armed groups, including the Taliban, who have at various times been seen as supportive of Pakistani strategic interests. This support has not only had disastrous results for Afghan people, but has contributed to reinforcing insecurity in Pakistan.

Given the inter-related nature of conflict dynamics in the region, it is therefore highly likely that the winding down of the current international engagement in Afghanistan will have significant impacts on peace and conflict dynamics in Pakistan. This policy brief discusses the impact of the multiple transition processes currently underway in Afghanistan on peace and conflict dynamics in Pakistan. Drawing upon the views of a range of Pakistani civil society actors, it seeks to articulate the role that civil society has played, and can continue to play, in promoting a more peaceful and secure Pakistan. It aims to help guide the strategies and interventions of local civil society actors, with the objective of helping them to maximise their potential contribution to sustainable peace, in the midst of a changing and volatile situation.

Download Strained neighbours: The impact of Afghanistan’s transition processes on conflict in Pakistan

Capacities for Peace is a project undertaken by Saferworld and Conciliation Resources and funded by the EU Instrument for Stability.

“More than at any time in the recent past, many Pakistani political elites are now accepting that a stable and prosperous Pakistan requires a stable Afghanistan.”

Saferworld

Our cookies

We use cookies, which are small text files, to improve your experience on our website.
You can allow or reject non essential cookies or manage them individually.

Reject allAllow all

More options  •  Cookie policy

Our cookies

Allow all

We use cookies, which are small text files, to improve your experience on our website. You can allow all or manage them individually.

You can find out more on our cookie page at any time.

EssentialThese cookies are needed for essential functions such as logging in and making payments. Standard cookies can't be switched off and they don't store any of your information.
AnalyticsThese cookies help us collect information such as how many people are using our site or which pages are popular to help us improve customer experience. Switching off these cookies will reduce our ability to gather information to improve the experience.
FunctionalThese cookies are related to features that make your experience better. They enable basic functions such as social media sharing. Switching off these cookies will mean that areas of our website can't work properly.
AdvertisingThese cookies help us to learn what you're interested in so we can show you relevant adverts on other websites and track the effectiveness of our advertising.
PersonalisationThese cookies help us to learn what you're interested in so we can show you relevant content.

Save preferences