Pashtun tribal system is a very unique phenomenon of the entire Pashtuns. Being a complete code of life for most of them. This code guides them in all walks of life. In terms of its genealogy, it is very close to Islam and is considered as code of life for them. The tribal structure of Pashtuns has changed a lot during the last 36 years in which the dominating role of Maliks and tribal elders have been excessively reduced giving place to that of mullah. Soviet intervention in Afghanistan followed by the U.S. intervention was a turning point in changing the entire tribal structure of Pashtuns. The tribal Areas were converted into areas meant for the acts of barbarism, terrorism and extremism and provided sanctuaries to the insurgents.

Independent dominions in shape of Pakistan and India emerged as result of partition on 14 August and 15 August 1947 respectively while the fate of over 500 princely states awaited decision. Due to overwhelming majority of Muslims, Jammu and Kashmir should have acceded to Pakistan. The hardness in Indian stance resulted in the two wars i.e. of 1965 and 1971 besides two limited wars of 1947-48 and 1999Kargil war. South Asia remained on the brink of war in 2002 standoff and the current escalations in Azad Kashmir. Contrarily, both Pakistan and India had agreed upon the United Nations resolutions, including, "the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be decided through free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of United Nations". The Indian strategy was to gain time on the pretext that "Indians are superior to Pakistanis in military and industrial power therefore Pakistan would accept a settlement imposed by the Indians". Additional India pleaded that Pakistan had joined defence Pacts with west, so India moved away from the process of Plebiscite. Now, India wants to discuss only terrorism brushing aside the core issue of Kashmir. Resultantly, the people of Kashmir are at the mercy of despotic and tyrant Indian Forces and they are suffering the most. How long the innocent population of Kashmir will be looking to ask the world to come forward for an open hearted settlement of this long outstanding dispute? The situation may escalate into a nuclear flashpoint.

The bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has long been overshadowed by mutual mistrust and strategic rivalry, despite deep cultural ties and Pakistan hosting the world's largest Afghan refugee population. This study applies the Trust Theory and the Prisoner's Dilemma framework to analyze the persistent lack of cooperation between the two states. The research highlights how territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, geopolitical competition, and external interventions have fueled tensions. While both countries occasionally engage in strategic cooperation under international mediation, their interactions are largely shaped by self-interest, security concerns, and historical grievances. The study argues that economic incentives, diplomatic engagement, and institutional mechanisms could help break this cycle of mistrust. However, deep-rooted historical suspicions and external influences continue to hinder long-term cooperation. Economic interdependence and mutual security assurances are crucial for stabilizing Pak-Afghan relations and fostering regional peace.