Chronological Notes on Afghanistan
Crisis and Pakistan’s Role
1. Soviet Invasion and Afghan Resistance (1979–1989)
• 1979: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan alarmed Pakistan; Islamabad feared Soviet
expansionism.
• Pakistan supported the Afghan Mujahedeen alongside the US, Saudi Arabia, and China.
• The Mujahedeen struggle was seen as morally justified but later caused unintended
consequences.
• Geneva Accords aimed only at Soviet withdrawal, not at forming a unified Afghan
government.
2. After Soviet Withdrawal and Civil War (1989–1992)
• Najibullah’s regime (Soviet-backed) survived three years after Soviet exit.
• 1992: Najibullah’s government fell; Mujahedeen factions began fighting for power.
• 24 April 1992, Peshawar Accord: Islamic Council led by Mojaddedi, Rabbani as next
president; Rabbani later refused to step down.
3. Collapse of Mujahedeen Unity and Rise of Taliban (1992–1996)
• Rabbani’s refusal to hold elections led to factional fighting, notably with Hekmatyar.
• Islamabad Accord (7 March 1993): Rabbani president, Hekmatyar PM—agreement failed.
• 1995: Afghanistan divided—Rabbani (north), Dostum (north), Pushtoon shura (east),
Taliban (south).
• Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul attacked, worsening relations.
4. Taliban Rule and Foreign Interference (1996–2001)
• Taliban gave refuge to foreign militants, causing regional and global concerns.
• 1998: UN Security Council Resolution 1189 condemned terror attacks in Kenya, Tanzania.
• 1999: Resolution 1267 demanded Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden.
• 2000: Resolution 1333 imposed further sanctions and arms embargo.
• Foreign arms supply to Taliban and Northern Alliance worsened conflict.
5. Proxy War and Regional Rivalries
• Neighbors (Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Central Asia) fueled Afghan conflict by supporting
factions.
• Rivalries driven by fear of spillover, and interests in Caspian oil/gas resources.
6. Spillover Effects on Pakistan
• Emergence of Kalashnikov culture and spread of narcotics in Pakistan.
• 1995: Egyptian embassy bombing in Islamabad; Peshawar market car bomb by Afghan
agents.
• Influx of foreign jihadists, some engaging in terrorism inside Pakistan.
7. Retrospective Assessment
• Pakistan’s support for Afghan jihad was seen as morally right but caused long-term
damage.
• Geneva Accords failed to ensure political transition.
• Pakistan lacked leverage to moderate Taliban; US/West walked away after Cold War.
• Pakistan and Iran bore the burden of over 2 million Afghan refugees.
• Only peace could have opened regional trade and transit to Central Asia.