Asia 785
Participants: 700 Afghanistan/770 Pakistan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 101–250 deaths
Narrative: Border disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan were not uncommon
following Pakistan’s creation in 1947. Afghans wanted the Pakistani government to
recognize the right of the Pashtuns to vote on self-governance and create an inde-
pendent state. Afghanistan also challenged Pakistan’s claim to the Pashtun region,
suggesting that the Durand Line created in 1893 was not legitimate since it was estab-
lished under British colonialism. In May 1961, the intensity of the border disputes
rose after the Afghan government sponsored rebels and troops to dress as tribesmen
and conduct raids across the border into Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated with air strikes
against Afghan bases along the border. The raids and clashes continued throughout
the summer of 1961 and into the fall, and Pakistan closed down its consulates in
Afghanistan in late summer/early fall 1961. Diplomatic trade relations were also sev-
ered shortly after the consulates were closed and staff evacuated. The United States
offered its good offices to help mediate the dispute, but these efforts failed in October
- The crisis ended in a stalemate with no settlement.
Coding changes: End Date changed from September 3, 1961. Outcome changed from
Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#2053
Dispute Number: 2053
Date(s): March 13, 1979 to April 13, 1982
Participants: 365 Russia, 700 Afghanistan/770 Pakistan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: Missing
Narrative: On March 25, 1979, the Government of Pakistan protested against an artil-
lery attack made on its territory from Afghanistan and an air border violation by an
Afghan fighter jet. Pakistan responded in early April, when Pakistani troops disguised
as Afghans attacked four police posts in the Afghan Pikita Province. The Soviet Union
subsequently sent 3,000 advisors to Afghanistan in order to quell an insurgency within
the country against the pro-Soviet Afghan Government. This began a three-year series
of cross-border attacks in the northwest frontier territories of Pakistan and southern
Afghanistan. On April 13, 1982, Pakistan’s foreign minister flew to Kabul and met
with Afghanistan’s foreign minister in what he called useful and constructive talks.
The talks were contingent on a lessening Soviet presence in Afghanistan and tensions
decreased following the talks.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from March 26, 1979. End Date changed from
April 14, 1982.
MID#2054
Dispute Number: 2054
Date(s): September 18, 1983 to May 10, 1987
Participants: 700 Afghanistan/365 Russia, 770 Pakistan