Few bilateral relationships in South Asia are as deeply rooted and strategically consequential as those between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Shaped by centuries of interconnected history, overlapping ethnicities and geographic proximity, this bond remains vital not only to the futures of both nations, but to the collective peace and prosperity of the region.

Pakistan's approach to Afghanistan has long been guided by a clear strategic principle: peace and stability in one country is essential to the sustainability of the other. From shared borders and interwoven tribes to economic dependencies and cultural affinities, the relationship transcends mere diplomacy. Pashtuns, Hazaras and other ethnic groups straddle both sides of the Durand Line, reinforcing the reality that these are not just neighboring states, but are socially and historically intertwined societies.

While international discourse on Afghanistan tends to oscillate between periods of intense focus and indifference, Pakistan's engagement has remained steady. It has pursued dialogue with every Afghan government, irrespective of political orientation, rooted in a belief that only Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace can yield durable stability. Even amid setbacks and strained moments, Pakistan has consistently chosen constructive diplomacy over provocation, acting from the perspective of regional responsibility rather than tactical convenience.

One of the most tangible manifestations of this........

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