The Delusion Of A Greater Afghanistan – OpEd

The notion of a “Greater Afghanistan,” murmured in Afghan nationalist circles, is more fantasy than feasible, a mirage conjured by a handful of fervent propagandists. History and reality offer a stark rebuttal, laying bare the implausibility of this dream.

Such ideas are so far from the complexities of the region’s cultural and political landscape that one might call them the musings of those living in a self-created utopia. To grasp why, one must look into the nuances that define this region.

The history of Pashtun culture, language, and identity clearly shows that its core has always been located in present-day Pakistan, rather than Afghanistan. The regions of Khurasan and Hind, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), were never part of the Afghan Empire but instead fell under the control of the Mughal and other external empires. The regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and FATA (now merged into KP) have been the primary cradle of Pashtun civilization for centuries. Great Pashtun poets like Khushal Khan Khattak and Rahman Baba, whose works remain a vital part of Pashtun cultural heritage, hailed from what is now Pakistan, not Afghanistan. Peshawar, in particular, has been a center of Pashtun culture, politics, and literature for a long time.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, has historically been a melting pot of various ethnic groups—Hazaras, Tajiks, Uzbeks, and others. This demographic reality challenges the premise of a “Greater Afghanistan” centered around Pashtuns. The Afghan state has always been a heterogeneous entity, and any claim that Afghanistan can somehow unify Pashtun regions under its banner is not only historically unfounded but also practically impossible.

Afghanistan’s sociopolitical landscape is defined by its complex ethnic mosaic, which has led to centuries of internal strife. The Pashtuns, though the largest ethnic group, are far from a monolithic entity even within Afghanistan. They share the nation with Tajiks (27%), Hazaras (9%), and Uzbeks (9%)—each with their own distinct identity and political agendas. Unlike the marginalization Pashtuns often experience in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s approach has been one of inclusion, embracing Pashtuns within its social, political, and economic spheres.

The notion of “Greater Afghanistan” is a delusion fueled by those living under the influence of unrealistic fantasies. It reflects either a misunderstanding of regional dynamics or a deliberate attempt to incite chaos. In reality, the Pashtuns in Afghanistan have long expressed dissatisfaction with their status in a fragmented state. The region of Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, including Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, has seen increasing unrest and a desire for closer ties with Pakistan due to better economic and security conditions across the border. Afghanistan’s economy remains weak, with a GDP that pales in comparison to Pakistan’s.

The economic disparity is a significant factor that contributes to the frustration of Pashtuns in Afghanistan, who have witnessed Pakistan’s relatively superior infrastructure, educational opportunities, and security apparatus. after the soviet-afghan war, over 3 million afghan sought refuge in pakistan who even after three decades were unwilling to return to their homeland. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has been embroiled in continuous conflict and civil war since the 1980s, which has exacerbated its economic struggles and hindered development, making the contrast even more stark for those on the Afghan side of the border.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has emerged as a strong and stable state despite facing its own set of challenges. The integration of FATA into KP was a landmark move, providing former tribal areas with greater access to development resources, political representation, and economic opportunities. This merger was not just a political decision but a reflection of the strong affinity the Pashtuns in these regions have for Pakistan. The development projects initiated in KP and Balochistan have improved living conditions for millions of Pashtuns, solidifying their sense of belonging within Pakistan.

Pashtun leaders in Afghanistan have openly expressed dismay at the state of their country. Calls for a stronger connection with Pakistan have grown louder over the years, reflecting the deep dissatisfaction with the Afghan state’s inability to provide stability and economic opportunities. Pakistan’s investments in infrastructure, its military capability, and its growing regional influence make it a natural partner for the Pashtun population in Afghanistan. Claims that Pakistan will eventually absorb the Pashtun-dominated areas of Afghanistan are not far-fetched but are a natural outcome of the current geopolitical realities.

The perpetuation of the “Greater Afghanistan” myth has external roots. Propaganda machines, funded by hostile elements, encourage Afghan nationalists to propagate such ideas. This tactic, aimed at destabilizing the region, serves the interests of those who wish to weaken Pakistan and disrupt regional cooperation. However, the ground realities stand in contrast to these dreams, as more and more Pashtuns in Afghanistan express their desire for greater connectivity with Pakistan.

This propaganda must be seen for what it truly is: an attempt to fan the flames of ethnic nationalism in a region that has long been intertwined with a heterogenous mixture of history and nationalism. Such ideas only serve the short-term interests of those funding these provocations, with little concern for the long-term peace and prosperity of the region.

The dream of a “Greater Afghanistan” is not just impractical; it is a hallucination rooted in ignorance or deliberate mischief. Afghanistan’s future lies not in expanding borders but in addressing its internal challenges—poverty, ethnic strife, and political instability. Pakistan, on the other hand, continues to progress and build a strong, inclusive society where Pashtuns play a crucial role in the nation’s success. As Pakistan develops and strengthens, the calls for its leadership in Pashtun regions of Afghanistan will only grow louder.

Any notion of a Greater Afghanistan is not only a dream but one fueled by those detached from reality, fanned by enemies of Pakistan, who seek to destabilize the region for their own ends. The future belongs to a united Pakistan, where Pashtuns are equal partners in progress. Long live Pakistan!