Seemingly, both Afghanistan and Pakistan have been cooperative neighbors, however the attitude displayed on various occasions diffuses this dictum, instead depicts a low level of confidence existing between the two. There might be variant reasons, but one is the state’s policy against tackling terrorism.

The porous border, along the Durand line, has turned the bone of discontents between Afghanistan and Pakistan, hosting numerous terrorists. It is accepted that a large number of local and non-local terrorists seek save havens across the Pak-Afghan border, where they run training camps and frequently plot terrorist activities against the either of aforesaid state. Seemingly both Pakistan and Afghanistan claim to be front states, fighting insurgency and terrorism, nonetheless, no bold measure, from either side is taken, in crushing the militant’s hideouts across the border. Consequently the terrorists easily undertake malicious acts and subsequently safely return to their hideouts that seem to be inaccessible if not impossible for security institutions of the two countries.

It was an unending demand of the two countries to inflict heavy losses to insurgents and militants on the side of their border. Pakistan started cleanup operation Zarbi Azab which is doubted to be only against “bad Taliban” – those Taliban malicious in Pakistan. Afghanistan deems the Haqqani network, which still enjoys a good relationship with Pakistan are left unharmed. Identically, the head of the Pakistani chapter of the Taliban, TTP is said to have sought sanctuary in Afghanistan, and is asked to be handed over to Pakistan, which is not warmly responded by the Afghan government.

Afghan government till date believes that the neighboring country is behind some of its long lasting miseries. Previously, addressing an Independence Day ceremony at the heavily-fortified Presidential Palace in Kabul, Karzai reiterated his call for Pakistan to stop fomenting trouble in Afghanistan for the sake of lasting peace and stability in the region.

It shouldn’t be unlearned that the two countries share common border, common culture, common history, and common worsening issues of terrorism, extremism, poverty and illiteracy. The odds include relationship breakdown, trust deficits associated with leadership delayed consideration to literacy, peace, economic growth and normalized relationship given prior importance.

Terrorism and extremism, undoubtedly, a challenging menace to the two countries has added into the wrecked economies, inflicting worst effects on governance. It is time both countries look into long term sustainable relationship – information sharing mechanism, be developed and joint counter terrorism initiatives be taken so that none of the terrorists escape the reach of law.

Any element or issue causing the breach of trust between the two countries must be led to negotiation. The insurgents seeking save havens across the borders must be crushed with full might. The ties should be developed based on trust, trade and tourism. The two countries having cultural and social ties must ease free trade and bridge relationship by encouraging people to contact.