Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict: A Reassessment of Geopolitical Strategy

The escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by cross-border strikes and a declaration of “open war” by Pakistan’s defense minister as of February 2026, necessitates a critical reassessment of Pakistan’s long-held geopolitical ambitions. For decades, Pakistan has pursued a “Look West” policy aimed at leveraging Afghanistan for trade and energy security. Though, the continued instability in Afghanistan and the recent outbreak of hostilities suggest this strategy has faltered, prompting a debate on whether Pakistan should consider a shift towards an “Act East” policy, mirroring India’s successful approach.

The Flawed “Act West” Dream

Pakistan’s historical focus on Afghanistan stemmed from a desire to establish a stable western flank and gain access to Central Asian markets. This vision, however, has consistently been undermined by internal conflicts within Afghanistan and, more recently, the rise of the Taliban. The current military operation, ‘Ghazab Lil Haq,’ launched by Pakistan against Afghanistan, underscores the failure of this long-held dream as of February 27, 2026. The conflict risks further destabilizing the region and pushing the prospect of economic cooperation even further out of reach.

India’s “Act East” Policy: A Case Study

In contrast to Pakistan’s westward orientation, India launched its “Act East” policy in 2014, focusing on building strategic and economic ties with countries in North and Northeast Asia. This policy has yielded significant benefits, including increased trade, investment, and defense collaboration as of February 27, 2026. The success of India’s approach raises the question of whether Pakistan should reconsider its strategic priorities.

The Limitations of a Western Orientation

While India’s “Act East” policy has been developmental, Pakistan’s “Act West” policy has remained largely geo-economic, focused on transit routes and energy corridors. This corridor-centric approach has been consistently hampered by instability. India’s pursuit of integration with Central Asia, through initiatives like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Chabahar route, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), has faced challenges due to geopolitical realities and competition with China. However, it has still allowed India to formulate coalitions and foster partnerships with key economic powers in the region.

A Potential Shift: Pakistan’s “Act East” Opportunity

Given the persistent challenges in the west, Pakistan may benefit from exploring an “Act East” policy. This would involve strengthening ties with ASEAN member states and leveraging maritime trade routes to complement the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Such a shift could potentially mitigate concerns about antagonizing China, as China itself is deeply integrated within ASEAN. A Pakistan-ASEAN linkage could endorse and complement CPEC via maritime trade routes.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan’s “Act West” policy has consistently failed to deliver on its promise of trade and energy security due to ongoing instability in Afghanistan.
• India’s “Act East” policy has proven successful in fostering economic and strategic partnerships in Asia.
• Pakistan should consider diversifying its strategic focus and exploring an “Act East” policy to unlock new economic opportunities.
• A shift towards the east could complement existing initiatives like CPEC and reduce reliance on a volatile western flank.

As the conflict with Afghanistan continues, Pakistan faces a critical juncture. Reimagining its geopolitical strategy and embracing a more diversified approach, potentially through an “Act East” policy, may be essential for securing its long-term economic and strategic interests.