Paper short abstract:

With the post-2014 era approaching in Afghanistan & ithe ncreasingly hostile Pak-Afghan relations, the future of Afghanistan remains uncertain & presents a grave security challenge to the region. In such a scenario Pakistan has yet to formulate an Afghan policy & follows a policy marred in ambiguity .

Paper long abstract:

2014 has been announced as the year of US-led NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan. With the 12 year long war coming to an inconclusive end, the future of Afghanistan remains increasingly uncertain & presents a grave security challenge for the region particularly Pakistan. There is no denying that over the past 12 years the gap in mistrust along with the continuous blame game between Pakistan & Afghanistan has been increasing on both sides along with the recent spate of border clashes putting further strain on the already hostile relations between both states. Apart from issues that challenges the future of Afghanistan on a national front, increasing Pakistan- Indian rivalry with one another as well as in & over Afghanistan is one of the biggest obstacles to peace in Afghanistan as well as in the region. Hence in such a scenario, despite having suffered the realities of the Soviet occupation, subsequent withdrawal & its aftermath, Pakistan has yet to formulate an 'afghan policy' within the context of its national objectives to safeguard itself from the possible challenges & threats that will emanate from Afghanistan post 2014. If anything, Pakistan's policy towards Afghanistan has & continues to be vague, perplexed, conflicting & shrouded in ambiguity. Therefore it is imperative that policy makers in Pakistan formulate policies & strategies that are mutually beneficial for Pakistan, Afghanistan & the regional states