Vol. 6, Issue 12, Part G (2020)

Abstract
This study evaluates the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the light of its historical contiguity and explores how the doctrine of “Strategic Depth” impacts the same. It also takes into consideration the impact of changing geo-strategic environment on the relationship with a focus on the US invasion in Afghanistan and the post- NATO power-settlement in Afghanistan. It explores how developments on the security front in both the countries demand a mutual trust and close cooperation in countering the common threat. This study concludes that power shifts in the region demands strengthening of ties between Afghan-Pak governments, institutionalize stronger mechanisms for bilateral cooperation and put up a united front against the non-state actors. The impasse can be overcome with rational and out of box thinking. This requires a fundamental change in the attitudes in both the leadership and policy analysts’ giving way to mutual confidence between the two countries. In this way, the role other regional actors is also important in bringing peace to the region.