Here the word “Alliance”
would not be used in its true diplomatic meaning; instead the
“agreement” and “alliance” shall be used interchangeably.
Soon after her creation
in 1947, Pakistan faced conflicts on its borders with Afghanistan
(over Durand Line), India, and in Kashmir. Afghanistan was not ready
to admit the Durand Line as the boundary between the two countries.
To face these challenges, Pakistan needed strong alliances. In early
1950s, Pakistan started a long-term relationship with USA and Prime
Minister Liaquat Ali Khan made a historic visit to USA. This forced
Afghanistan to seek aid from the Soviet Union. Due to Kashmir issue,
India did not have cordial relations with Pakistan and therefore,
India too found itself inclined towards the Soviet Union. Thus both
India and Afghanistan found a common ground for cooperation.
In
1961-62 Daud Khan was prime minister of Afghanistan when the
Pashtunistan movement (or rather crisis) reached its pinnacle.
Tensions rose so high that Pakistan closed the Afghan Transit route.
Pakistan Air Force launched air strikes into the FATA (Federally Administrated Tribal Areas) and also
arranged for a mega show of firepower in Jamrud in 1962. Royal Afghan
Air Force was quite well-equipped in the 1961-62 but surprisingly
they did not come to the help of FATA tribes (or not in substantial
numbers). The crisis situation ended through the mediation of Shah of
Iran between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
