Progressive Research Journal of Arts and Humanities (PRJAH) Vol. 2, No. 1, 2020 ISSN: 2707-7314 Khyber Pakhtoonistan is a Factor in Pak-Afghan Relations: Challenges and Way Forward Amir Jan 1 , Muhammad Hassan 2 *, and Ishrat Afshan Abbasi 3 Abstract This paper aims to explore out the challenges of Pak-Afghan relations and their impact on regional peace. Despite geographical proximity and common socio-cultural legacy, Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to settle their mutual differences amicable as a result, their bilateral relations have been exploited by the regional and international power. In addition to this, KPK and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan which are the main causes of geo-political differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been the home of terrorism, extremism and Afghan refugees since 1980s. The paper is qualitative in nature, and based on investigation of the various events and facts in order to address the question why did Pakistan and Afghanistan failto set a mechanism to end up their mutual geo-political difference? The paper also intends to forward policy recommendations for the durable and permanent friendly relations of Pakistan and Afghanistan and their possible impacts on the region. Keywords: Taliban; Pakistan; Afghanistan; Terrorism; Afghan Refugees 1. Introduction Despite the geographical proximity, socio-cultural affiliation and economic inter-dependency; Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to establish durable cordial political and economic relations. Moreover, contrary of the fact, both have been perpetually involved in blaming one another for the instability and uncertainty of the region. Thus, their bilateral relations which witnessed ups and downs from time to time, have been marred with trust deficit and baseless allegations. Disappointingly to note that the strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan created a political vacuum in the region which was filled by the regional and international power. There is no doubt that the geographical differences which they have inherited from British Rajthat have been the main cause of tension between Pakistan. What has displeased Pakistan. It has also been found in intervening in the internal political affairs of Khyber Pakhtoonistan (KPK) and Balochistan since 1947 because Afghanistan never accepted Durand Line Agreement with Pakistan (Omrani, 2009). On the other hand, Pakhtoons, who are residing in both sides of border and have socio-cultural affiliations and historical religious legacy with one 1 Department of Political Studies, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, Lasbela, Balochistan 2 National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research (NIHCR), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 3 Department of International Relations, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh *)Corresponding Author. Email: mhassan@qau.edu.pk