Despite enduring challenges and grievances, a silver lining is emerging: relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are beginning to thaw once more. The two nations share a wealth of commonalities, spanning a diverse spectrum from socio-cultural ties to religious bonds, emphasizing the intricate interconnections that cannot easily be severed.
In the recent past, India has attempted to use certain elements in Afghanistan against Pakistan. It sought to undermine the relations between the two Islamic countries. This pattern reveals that India is not a true ally to either Afghanistan or Iran; instead, it seems intent on using these nations as pawns in proxy conflicts against Pakistan. The enduring relationship of brotherhood and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan highlights the potential for their ties to not only survive but also strengthen. As tensions start to diminish, the opportunity for a collaborative future becomes increasingly promising.
Afghan authorities should be cautious and prevent India from using any of its factions as a proxy against Pakistan.
Pakistan has consistently positioned itself as a reliable ally of Afghanistan, providing crucial support to foster its neighbor’s stability and prosperity. It is not an exaggeration to assert that Pakistan has actively committed its resources to assist Afghanistan during its most challenging periods. This dedication paints a hopeful picture for a future where both nations can thrive together.
A testament to this commitment is the establishment of a comprehensive education framework for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Currently, there are 153 schools, 48 satellite classes, 55 home-based girls’ schools, and 13 primary education centers dedicated to educating Afghan children.
Remarkably, educational arrangements have been made for 57,000 Afghan children across 54 refugee camps, while over 7,000 Afghan students are currently enrolled in various Pakistani universities. Additionally, 4,500 Allama Iqbal Scholarships have been awarded, contributing to the graduation of 100,000 Afghan graduates from Pakistani institutions.
Beyond education, Pakistan’s construction and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan are also noteworthy. Significant investments include the Rahman Baba School and Hostel in Kabul (Rs 120 million), the Liaquat Ali Khan Engineering Faculty at Balkh University (Rs 1.046 billion), and the Allama Iqbal Faculty of Arts at Kabul University (Rs 672.54 million). Additionally, Pakistan has partnered in the establishment of six primary schools in Kabul, two vocational institutes in Baghlan, and provided 10 buses to facilitate transport for students at Kabul and Nangarhar University. To further support education, 300,000 school kits have been distributed across 18 provinces.
In the health sector, Pakistan’s support has been equally impactful. Jinnah Hospital in Kabul has facilitated over 30,000 free eye surgeries, and significant investments have been made in medical facilities such as the Nishtar Kidney Centre in Jalalabad ($7 million) and the Naib Aminullah Khan Hospital in Logar ($20 million). Additional contributions include providing 45 ambulances across twelve provinces and 14 mobile medical units (valued at Rs 580.20 million).
Infrastructure development has also been a key area of Pakistan’s engagement. The construction of the 75 km Torkham-Jalalabad road, improvement of internal roads and traffic systems in Jalalabad, and the provision of machinery for road construction in Wardak exemplify this effort.
Furthermore, feasibility studies have been completed for railway projects connecting Chaman-Span Boldak and Peshawar-Jalalabad, aimed at bolstering trade and mobility in the region.
In terms of humanitarian aid, Pakistan has contributed $30 million to support the citizens of Afghanistan. This extensive array of projects and initiatives underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fostering a prosperous and integrated future for Afghanistan as a close and brotherly Islamic nation.
Pakistan and Afghanistan need to tackle their respective concerns logically. The manner in which India acted during the Israel-Iran conflict clearly illustrates that it does not have the interests of either Iran or Afghanistan at heart. Therefore, Afghan authorities should be cautious and prevent India from using any of its factions as a proxy against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan should actively seek to support Afghanistan economically and in any other practical areas.
The writer is a lawyer and author based in Islamabad. He tweets @m_asifmahmood.