Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations under PML-N (2013-2018): Foreign Policy Priorities and Key Developments

Abstract

This article investigates the Pak-Afghan relations dynamics throughout the period of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration (2013–2018). It evaluates the objectives of their foreign policy and significant events that influenced bilateral ties. The PML-N took power in challenging regional security landscape that was under terrorism, political turmoil in neighbor country, Afghanistan, the continuing NATO exit, and shifting geopolitical relations among China, US, and India. This research examines PML-N’s diplomatic efforts, security collaboration, and strategic involvement with Afghanistan. The study tried to find out the answer of question that in what manner did the foreign policy objectives of the PML-N influence Pak–Afghan relations, and what significant events impacted bilateral relations during this timeframe? To address this question, the study implied a qualitative research methodology grounded on a descriptive and analytical framework. Both primary and secondary data is used, such as academic journal articles, books, governmental policy documents, official declarations, and party policy. The data undergo qualitative content analysis to discern prevalent themes and Pakistan’s interaction with Afghanistan. The study determines that PML-N emphasized regional stability, collaboration in counterterrorism, economic interconnectivity, and diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, but these goals were limited by ongoing security issues, territorial conflicts, reciprocal suspicion, and interference of regional and global entities. This article indicates that PML-N adopted a more assertive diplomatic strategy regarding Afghanistan, systemic and geopolitical obstacles hindered the durability of enhanced bilateral ties.