Pakistan-Afghan relations remain marred by the continued support given by the Kabul government to the Pashtun (or Pakhtun) people of the former North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan in their demand for self-determination.

A "general mobilization" of Afghan armed forces is ordered in Kabul at the beginning of May, in reply to which Gen. Mohammad Ayub Khan, Pakistani Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief, comments that if any inroads are made into Pakistan territory Afghanistan will be taught a lesson to be remembered for life.

Mikhail V. Degtyar, Soviet ambassador to Kabul, is reported to have promised Afghanistan "total military aid" in the event of Pakistani aggression.

This acute tension results in offers of mediation by Islamic powers, but Gen. Iskandar Mirza, Pakistani Minister of the Interior, makes it clear that his country will maintain the Durand Line.

On September 30, the Pakistani Constituent Assembly passes a bill merging western Pakistan into a single province, and the Afghan government protests against this violation of the rights and wishes of the Pashtun people.