IMPACT OF FRAGILE NEIGHBOURHOOD: THE CASE OF PAKISTAN – AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

The collapse of state institutions and its administrative structures refer to inability of the state as a sovereign political entity within its geographical borders or in simple term ‘fragile’ state. A fragile state with declining economic indicators and incapacitated institutions causes economic implications and security threats for the regional states, especially in the neighbourhood. With prolonged violence, conflicts and political instability, Afghanistan has become a fragile state without any legitimate governing authority, inordinate institutions and irrecoverable resources, thus making it dependent on donors’ aid. Strict international sanctions regime, deficit of foreign investment and unrecognized governing structure has created a favourable environment for terror nurturing and unpopular policy orientation. Pakistan due to shared borders and legacy of cultural and religious connectivity with Afghanistan, has always faced political, economic and security repercussions of fragile impasse in its neighbourhood. The huge influx of Afghan refugees for a prolonged period and illegal trafficking of routine items and US currency towards Afghanistan has strained Pakistan’s economic structure. Similarly, the incapacitated Afghan Taliban could not harness Tehreek-e-Taliban, encouraging the banned outfit to carry out security problems for Pakistan. This research is an endeavour to unveil the impact of fragile Afghanistan for the economic, political and security interests of Pakistan at domestic and regional front. It would also suggest policy orientation for Pakistan in its future engagement with the Afghan Taliban for securing regional peace, stability and prosperity.