Pakistan – Afghanistan Relations

Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan constitute a significant pillar of its foreign policy. As an immediate neighbour, with a border spanning over 2,600 km, Pakistan shares close relations with Afghanistan, which are rooted in common faith and culture, shared history, as well as a desire for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and regionally integrated Afghanistan, which contributes to regional stability and prosperity.

Pakistan established its Embassy in Afghanistan soon after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. In addition to the Embassy in Kabul, there are Consulates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif.

Over the decades, both sides have maintained high-level political engagement, aimed at further promoting bilateral ties in relevant areas.

Due to geographical proximity and historical linkages, Pakistan is among Afghanistan’s largest trading partners. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan reached US$ 1,998 million in the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Pakistan has historically been an important development partner of Afghanistan, with assistance focusing in the areas of infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and human resource development. Pakistan’s support to Afghanistan in the healthcare sector, in particular, has been an important component of the overall development cooperation. In recent years, Pakistan has supported Afghanistan in setting up multiple healthcare facilities across the country, including three hospitals in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Logar.

Pakistan is also a significant partner of Afghanistan in the education and human resource development sectors, which has contributed to promoting people-to-people and educational linkages between both sides. Pakistan has been offering fully-funded scholarships to over 4,500 Afghan students to address their capacity building needs. Over 50,000 Afghan professionals who studied in Pakistan’s educational institutions are currently serving in various sectors, contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

Over the last four decades, Pakistan played a pivotal role in hosting millions of Afghan refugees.

At regional and international forums, Pakistan is proactively engaged with the international community on addressing the multifaceted challenges in Afghanistan, including the humanitarian and economic situation. Pakistan has advocated for capacity-building initiatives and humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, and for support of Afghan nationals returning to their homeland.

Pakistan has also been supporting efforts to leverage Afghanistan’s potential as a regional connectivity hub. Pakistan’s active engagement in connectivity projects including TAPI, TAP, CASA-1000 and Trans Afghan Railway Project is aimed towards this end.

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