On February 26, 2025, the National Institute of Public Administration, Lahore, hosted Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan, for a lecture on “Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan”.

The lecture outlined several critical dimensions of the current situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s strategic approach to it. It discussed three potential policy options for Pakistan regarding the Taliban government, ranging from continued disengagement due to security concerns, to pragmatic engagement focused on cross-border terrorism, trade, and refugee issues, to a more aggressive stance targeting terrorist safe havens. Border management issues were highlighted, emphasizing the need for trade and economic cooperation at key border points. The role of India in Afghanistan was explored, particularly its impact on Pakistan’s interests, while the potential for enhancing bilateral and regional trade was also discussed. Political and infrastructural challenges to transit trade were identified, alongside recommendations for Pakistan to adopt a realistic approach, address both security and economic concerns, and engage diplomatically to resolve trust deficits and the ongoing issues of cross-border terrorism.