Regional Stability
Afghan officials have voiced concerns over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, expressing fears that the ongoing dispute could have a “direct negative impact” on Afghanistan and the broader region.
The tensions, triggered by the deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir on April 22, have sparked a diplomatic crisis between the two neighboring countries, with India accusing Pakistan of cross-border involvement in the attack without presenting evidence. Pakistan has vehemently rejected these allegations and called for an impartial investigation.
In retaliation, Pakistan took a series of measures, including halting all border trade, closing its airspace and ports to Indian carriers, and expelling Indian diplomats. These actions have further fueled the tension, with both countries engaging in a series of retaliatory measures. Afghanistan, being situated between the two nuclear-armed nations, has expressed deep concern about the spillover effects of this conflict.
During a press conference on Sunday, Hekmatullah Zaland, the deputy director of the Afghan foreign ministry’s Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), stated that the tension between Pakistan and India would inevitably have a negative impact on Afghanistan. He emphasized the interconnectedness of the region, noting that instability in either Pakistan or India would directly affect Kabul. Zaland added that Afghanistan is pursuing a balanced foreign policy in its relations with both countries.
The impact of the tension was also discussed in a roundtable session organized by the CSS, where participants highlighted the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, which has significantly disrupted trade routes vital for Afghanistan. India had shut down the Attari checkpost, which was followed by Pakistan’s closure of the Wagah border, leading to the stranding of thousands of goods meant for Afghanistan.
Despite Pakistan’s decision to allow Afghan trucks to cross the Wagah border, Indian authorities have not permitted these vehicles to enter India, leaving Afghan traders in a precarious situation. Afghan officials have estimated that over 2,000 containers carrying goods from India are currently stranded in Pakistan, severely hampering trade and commerce in Afghanistan.
The disruptions in trade, caused by the border closures, have had a significant economic impact on Afghanistan. Waliullah Shaheen, Director of the CSS, and Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, the political director of the Afghan foreign ministry, both emphasized that the situation calls for urgent measures to address the consequences. Noor pointed out that the Afghan trade sector was severely affected and urged the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to prepare for potential future disruptions.
Afghanistan has expressed its desire for peace and stability in the region, underlining its commitment to resolving the conflict between Pakistan and India peacefully.
The Afghan government has emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability, given its close ties with both Pakistan and India. Afghan officials have also warned that prolonged tensions could exacerbate existing challenges and create new problems for the entire region.
In a separate development, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, chaired a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review the outcomes of his recent visit to Kabul. During his trip on April 19, Afghanistan’s acting prime minister, Mullah Hasan Akhund, assured Pakistan that Afghan soil would not be used for hostile activities against any country.
The follow-up meeting focused on implementing the agreements reached during Dar’s visit, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful neighborhood, enhanced trade, and regional connectivity.
As tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan, Afghanistan remains on edge, hoping for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution that ensures stability and cooperation in the region.
