It has been over three decades that Afghanistan comes out of a war to enter into another. Being the neighbor of war-wrecked country, Pakistan where has played its strategic role in Afghanistan during these wars there it also brought some threats into its own land.

Afghan War (Since 1979)

Afghan War since 1979 has been fought in phases. In each phase the belligerents kept on changing in their outlooks and ideologies.

1st Afghan War (1979-1989)

This first phase of war commenced after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Red Army troops installed a government favorable to the USSR. In this phase, with the mutual cooperation of CIA and Pakistan, Afghan Mujahideen were provided with training and weaponry in order to fight and oust the Soviets.

2nd Afghan War (1989-1996)

With the fluid peace in the initial years after ousting the Soviets from Afghanistan, the country became victim of civil war. Afghan religious groups known as ‘Talibans’ eventually seized power.

3rd Afghan War (2001 – Continues)

Following the 9/11 attacks and the refusal of the Taliban to hand over Osama Bin Laden, the US and its allies launched a war on terror which remains a pivotal event in recent history.

Emergence of Threats to Pakistan

Pakistan’s involvement in Afghan affairs led to several non-traditional security threats:

• Emergence of ‘Kalashnikov Culture’
• Rise of non-state actors
• Suicide bombings and terrorist attacks
• Political instability
• Heavy military spending in the FATA region