ASPIRE-KP Roundtable Examines Pakistan–Afghanistan Tensions and Regional Implications
On 15 November 2025, Advocacy for Sustainable Policy and Implementation Reforms – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (ASPIRE-KP) convened a high-level Roundtable on “Pakistan–Afghanistan Tensions and Their Regional Implications” at the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Hayatabad, Peshawar.
The Roundtable was organized in response to heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan during October–November 2025, a period marked by border incidents, stalled negotiations, and growing mistrust. Given the depth of interdependence between the two countries—shaped by geography, shared history, humanitarian linkages, and economic ties—the evolving situation has significant implications for regional stability. These impacts are felt most directly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which bears the immediate consequences related to border management, trade disruptions, population movement, and security pressures.
The forum brought together political leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and members of the business community to assess the situation and develop informed, pragmatic policy perspectives.
Objectives of the Roundtable
The discussion aimed to:
- Examine the October 2025 escalation and its implications for border management, trade, mobility, and refugee dynamics
Provide a knowledge-driven platform informed by an understanding of Afghanistan’s political and social context
Develop policy options for both federal and provincial governments, with particular focus on KP
Explore avenues for citizen-level engagement to reduce mistrust
Lay the groundwork for a broader national dialogue on Pakistan–Afghanistan relations
Participation and Structure
The Roundtable was chaired by Muhammad Shehzad Arbab, Chairman ASPIRE-KP, and included senior members of ASPIRE-KP, political representatives, academics, civil society voices, and leaders from chambers of commerce and industry.
The program included an overview of the issue, an open discussion among participants, and a summary of proceedings, allowing for diverse perspectives rooted in policy, scholarship, governance, and commercial experience.
Key Observations from the Discussion
Context and Historical Perspective
Participants reflected on the long and complex trajectory of Pakistan–Afghanistan relations since 1947, including Pakistan’s extended humanitarian role in hosting Afghan refugees over multiple decades. The renewed influx following August 2021 and the breakdown of talks in October 2025 were noted as contributing factors to the current strain.
Understanding Afghanistan’s Perspective
The discussion emphasized that Afghanistan’s political outlook is shaped by historical experiences, sovereignty sensitivities, and institutional capacity constraints. Effective engagement, participants noted, requires acknowledging these realities rather than relying on simplified assumptions.
Trade, Transit, and Economic Impacts
Representatives from the business community highlighted challenges faced by traders at border crossings, particularly at Torkham, a historically significant trade corridor. The need to insulate trade and transit from political fluctuations was repeatedly emphasized to protect livelihoods and reduce socio-economic risks.
Refugee Management
Participants underscored the importance of managing refugee-related issues with dignity, oversight, and sensitivity—especially concerning women and children. Implementation practices were seen as critical in shaping both domestic and international perceptions.
Role of Intellectual and Civic Engagement in KP
The forum noted a gap in informed public understanding, particularly among youth in KP, regarding the historical and contemporary dimensions of Pakistan–Afghanistan relations. Sustained engagement through universities, research institutions, and public forums was identified as an important corrective.
Policy Recommendations
Federal-Level Measures
Participants emphasized the need for:
Inclusive diplomatic engagement informed by individuals with deep knowledge of Afghan society
Decoupling trade from political tensions to protect economic activity and employment
Improved customs and border procedures, especially at key crossings
Humane and transparent refugee policies, with strong oversight mechanisms
Structured national discourse through research, seminars, and public dialogue
Provincial-Level Measures for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Given KP’s frontline position, the Roundtable highlighted the importance of:
Developing a long-term provincial preparedness strategy to address prolonged disruptions
Establishing a Provincial Task Force on Pak–Afghan Border Impacts to assess challenges, support stakeholders, and provide regular strategic updates
Creating institutional facilitation mechanisms for traders and chambers of commerce
Promoting intellectual and social engagement to counter misinformation and polarization
Concluding Reflections
The Roundtable concluded that Pakistan–Afghanistan relations require a careful balance of prudence, realism, and empathy. Participants agreed that pressure-based approaches alone are unlikely to yield sustainable outcomes; instead, durable stability depends on dialogue, historical awareness, and multidimensional engagement.
While federal policy remains central, the discussions underscored that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must proactively safeguard its communities, economy, and institutions, given its exposure to the immediate effects of regional tensions.
ASPIRE-KP reaffirmed its commitment to contributing constructively to policy discourse and indicated that the Roundtable’s findings would inform future engagement, including a proposed national-level dialogue involving stakeholders from across Pakistan.