Author: Saparbayeva, Sarvinoz Bozarboy qizi

Annotation: This article analyzes the transformation of the Pashtun factor in Pakistan’s domestic politics between 1979 and 2000. The study argues that the Pashtun factor moved beyond the framework of an ethnic-regional issue and became a complex political factor related to national security, border governance, Afghan refugees, religious-political movements, and Pakistan’s strategic interests in Afghanistan. The Afghan war that began in 1979 changed the socio-political environment of Pashtun-populated areas in northwestern Pakistan, increased the military-logistical role of tribal territories, and connected the Pashtun issue directly with Pakistan’s internal stability. The article examines the influence of Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization policy, the Mujahideen movement, madrasa networks, the Taliban factor in the 1990s, and the concept of “strategic depth” on Pakistan’s domestic political processes.

Keywords: Pakistan, Pashtun factor, domestic politics, Afghan crisis, Durand Line, Pashtunistan idea, FATA, North-West Frontier Province, Taliban, strategic depth, security policy.

Pages in journal: 621 - 628