Pak-Afghan ties victim of mistrust

Historically relations between Pakistan have been plagued by mistrust and misgivings. After independence Pakistan treated Afghanistan as a brotherly Muslim neighbor which had historic links with Muslims of India. But Afghanistan was the only the only country which had opposed Pakistan’s entry into UN in 1947. Since then there have been brief interludes of what is called normalization of relations.  Throughout King Zahir Shah’s rule, the longest in Afghanistan’s history, his policy was based on antagonism. Partly the reason for this attitude was cry for acceptance of Durand Line and partly the growing Soviet influence in Afghanistan. Soviet Union never had friendly relations with Pakistan because of Pakistan’s tilt towards the USA. After Zahir Shah’s abdication from the throne, the subsequent rulers towed the Soviet Union’s perception about Pakistan. Every Pakistani government, civil or military since independence, made consistent efforts to maintain friendly and brotherly ties with this Muslim land locked neighboring  country. It played its role in the development of Afghanistan  and provided safe passage  for its trade with the rest of world . The 9/11 changed the whole world and it left a deep impact on Pak-Afghan relations when Gen(Retired) Musharraf  decided to make Pakistan as a frontline state in America’s war against terrorism. Hamid Karzai, an ethnic Pashtun of the Popalzai clan of Durranis , was a member of the Mujahideen and took active part against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. He was top contact of  CIA having personal contacts with CIA Director  William Casey and  the then Vice President  George H.W Bush. He became a prominent political personality after the fall of Taleban in 2001. From December 2001, Karzai had been the Chairman of the Transitional Administration, interim  president and  till 204 when he was elected President.
Belligerent posture adopted by Karzai towards Pakistan is not difficult to understand with this brief historical background of the country, its leadership, deteriorating law and order situation and presence of coalition forces in Afghanistan. Afghan President Humid Karzai hurled a threat to invade Pakistan in chase of Taliban insurgents on Pakistani soil, saying his war-torn country had a right to do so out of “self-defense .â€� It is an attempt to divert attention from failure of the government to enforce law and order in the country and conveniently blame the neighbor for its internal problems. Karzai Government being weak  has failed to control the security situation in Afghanistan. Attacks on the Afghan and Coalition Forces , suicide bombings and roadside explosions are everyday affair. The writ of the government does not go beyond Kabul and the rest of the country is under the control of warlords .