DefinePK

Abstract

Historically, Afghanistan has had a deep impact on Pakistan-Russia relations, thoughnot positive. The prevalent geopolitical realities also suggest that Moscow andIslamabad have multiple avenues of cooperation for mutual benefits. The two countrieshave various similarities of interest vis a vis Afghanistan, which necessitate bilateralcooperation. The study elucidates the importance of Afghanistan in Pak-Russia bilateralrelations. Both states have a couple of shared objectives vis a vis Afghanistan such aselimination of terrorism and extremism, end to violence, control of narcotics smugglingand promotion of regional connectivity. Realist theory provides an appropriateframework to conduct this study that also entails discussion on Russia’s pursuit formaximization of power. After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the war ravagedcountry had been facing critical situation with impending humanitarian crisis causedby shortage of food and medicine, recognition of the current Taliban government by theworld and economic meltdown. Both Pakistan and Russia had appealed the world tostay engaged with the new Taliban government to avert humanitarian crisis. WhilePakistan’s historical alliance with the United States and Russia’s traditional strong tieswith India had been important factors in Pakistan-Russia ties, Afghanistan factorappeared to be a dominant factor.