The enduring narrative of Afghanistan as a “graveyard of empires” captures the imagination, portraying a nation that stood alone against superpowers. While this speaks to Afghan courage, the fuller picture reveals something equally remarkable: how strategic alliances and regional partnerships—particularly with Pakistan—helped shape Afghanistan’s resistance movements. Rather than diminishing Afghanistan’s achievements, this perspective highlights its ability to forge crucial alliances during pivotal moments in history.
Revisiting Afghanistan’s Resistance: A Collaborative Effort
History shows that Afghanistan’s resistance against foreign powers succeeded through a combination of local bravery and international cooperation:
- The Soviet Withdrawal (1989): The Mujahideen’s resilience was amplified by a global coalition—U.S. funding, Pakistani logistics, Saudi financing, and Chinese arms. Pakistan, as the frontline state, became the operational backbone, hosting training camps, supply routes, and refugee settlements that sustained the resistance.
- The U.S. Withdrawal (2021): America’s exit was a strategic recalibration, not a military defeat. Pakistan played a key role in facilitating the Doha peace process, demonstrating how diplomacy often resolves conflicts as much as battlefield outcomes.
These episodes remind us that in geopolitics, no nation fights in isolation—Afghanistan’s resistance was as much about alliances as it was about arms.
Pakistan’s Role: Beyond Geopolitics
Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan transcended strategy—it was rooted in shared culture, faith, and humanitarian solidarity:
- A Sanctuary for Millions (1979-present):
- Pakistan hosted over 4 million Afghan refugees, providing shelter, education, and healthcare for generations—a testament to neighborly compassion.
- Cities like Peshawar and Quetta became second homes for Afghans, blending cultures and creating lasting people-to-people bonds.
- Economic Lifelines:
- Despite conflicts, Pakistan remained Afghanistan’s largest trading partner, with the Karachi port serving as a vital gateway.
- The Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) kept commerce flowing, proving that economic ties often outlast political turbulence.
- Diplomatic Bridges:
- From the Cold War to the post-9/11 era, Pakistan advocated for political solutions, hosting peace talks like the 2015 Murree Process to promote Afghan-led reconciliation.
Moving Beyond the “Graveyard of Empires” Narrative
While the idea of Afghanistan single-handedly defeating superpowers is stirring, it overlooks key realities:
- The human cost: Decades of war left Afghanistan with shattered infrastructure, displacement, and reliance on aid.
- The power of alliances: From the Anglo-Afghan Wars to the Cold War, Afghan resistance leveraged international partnerships to counter stronger adversaries.
- The need for unity: Internal cohesion—not just external resistance—has often determined Afghanistan’s stability.
A Future Built on Cooperation
Today, both nations have an opportunity to shift from shared struggles to shared prosperity:
- Security Collaboration: Joint efforts against groups like the TTP show how regional stability benefits both countries.
- Connectivity Projects: Initiatives like CASA-1000 and potential Afghan inclusion in CPEC could transform the region’s economic landscape.
- People-to-People Ties: With 60,000+ Afghan students in Pakistan and thriving cross-border trade, the foundations for lasting partnership are strong.
Also See: Pak-Afghan Economic Relations and Trade Potential
A Brotherhood Reimagined
The verse “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah together and do not be divided” (Quran 3:103) captures the spirit of Pakistan-Afghanistan ties. Their history is not just one of resistance, but of resilience through unity—whether in war, diplomacy, or humanitarian support.
As Afghanistan charts a new course, Pakistan stands as a partner in peace, advocating for international engagement and regional integration. The “graveyard of empires” narrative may inspire, but the true lesson is this: Afghanistan’s greatest strength lies not in standing alone, but in building bridges—with its neighbors and the world.
The road ahead demands wisdom, trust, and a commitment to shared progress. If both nations nurture the seeds planted during decades of cooperation, they can write a new chapter—one defined not by conflict, but by collective prosperity.
