Afghanistan-Pakistan Political Relations (1963-73)

Abstract

Purposed: History of Pak-Afghan relations reflects ups and downs. Prior to the creation of Pakistan on 14th August 1947, Afghanistan asked the British that, before their departure from India, they must return back those Pakhtoon dominant territories which had been annexed by British from Afghanistan. However, British quitted India without considering Afghan demand. Pakistan came into being in 1947; Methodology: Afghanistan raised its territorial dispute with Pakistan. It was the first Muslim country which opposed Pakistan’s entry into the United Nations Organization (UNO). In 1949, Afghanistan’s Loya Jirga declared that they did not recognize the Durand Line as its international border with Pakistan. It also extended its support to an independent Pakhtoonistan and affirmed that it would continue its efforts in this regard.  Afghanistan’s this stand made the future course of Pak-Afghan relations. Findings: The study highlights and analyzes the role of different events and personalities which affected Pak-Afghan relations deeply during 1963 till 1973. Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: It concludes that the issues of Durand Line and Pakhtoonistan are the two major bottle-necks in the way of cordial relations between the two countries.