Trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Post-August 2021

In August 2021, the world witnessed the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Soon after assuming control of Kabul, the Taliban showed their willingness to uphold the country’s relationship with the international community, including its neighbors. In this regard, Pakistan offered its good offices to the group in a bid to enhance its engagement with the international community. However, over the years, the trajectory of bilateral relations between the two neighbors encountered some hurdles, leading to the emergence of various issues. Given the re-emergence of such issues, this policy brief aims to highlight the mutual challenges that are adding to the instability and irritants in bilateral relations after August 2021.