On Tuesday, 10^th February, 2026, Ambassador (R) Mansoor Ahmad Khan, delivered a lecture on “Pakistan’s Relations with Afghanistan” to the participants of the 39^th Senior Management Course (SMC) at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). Lahore.

Ambassador Khan outlined the foundations of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations by examining Pakistan’s Afghan policy. Afghan perspectives, and the influence of global and regional geopolitics. Particular attention was given to people-to-people linkages and the shared border of approximately 2600 kilometres. He highlighted how border management, historical mistrust, jihad. militancy, and terrorism have shaped bilateral interactions, alongside trade, business, and connectivity initiatives.

While reviewing post-2021 developments, Ambassador Khan noted the security challenges posed by TTP, BLA, and Daesh, and the resulting diplomatic freeze between the two states. While acknowledging these constraints, he underlined the importance of articulating a clear vision for trade, transit, and regional connectivity as a stabilising force in bilateral relations. Ambassador Khan also examined India’s role in the Afghan theatre, including concerns regarding India’s alleged linkages with TTP and BLA.

Ambassador Khan proposed focusing on relations with Afghanistan rather than personalities or regimes. He emphasised on keeping channels of communication open on security, trade, and business, addressing the TTP and BLA challenge, strengthening people-to-people contacts, and depoliticising border management.

The lecture was followed by an engaging Q&A session.