Asmat Khalil
The prolonged conflict in Afghanistan has incurred immense and unforgettable damages to the innocent lives and basic infrastructure of Afghanistan. Besides, the dual policies of many regional and global players have further complicated the overall economic, social, political and security situation of Afghanistan. Afghans are still suffering by the warring factions either Taliban or the elements of Afghan Government mainly resuscitated by the foreign troops. For more than two decades, Afghanistan has been witnessing turmoil and instability, as the country is confronted with an unending “war of attrition” between the Afghan government and un-subdued Afghan Taliban. Being an immediate neighbor, Pakistan has remained most important stakeholder and vulnerable to the emanating dangers from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the adopted attitude of the world community in general and the USA in particular vis-à-vis Pakistan in “Afghan imbroglio” or “War on Terror”, is not at all appreciative, rather it is quite discouraging. If compared with the supreme sacrifices in all forms, rendered by Pakistan are no match to combined ones by the cluster of nations concentrated in Afghanistan; in terms of blood and treasure. it is an irony that Pakistan being the coalition partner, also a Non- NATO ally, has never been appreciated, but pressurised at regional and international arena, to “do more” .Besides, in Afghanistan through the evil scheming by our known adversaries, a considerable Afghan population has also been infected with anti- Pakistan sentiments, aimed at generating mongered malice between the public and governments of both the countries.
It is very surprising that how Afghanistan or Afghans could ever be forgetting Pakistan’s generous accommodation of three million Afghan Refugees for the record duration, despite having certain pressures on our economy ,social and security related matters. Pakistan has always supported a peaceful, prosperous and progressing Afghanistan, which is also essential for the developmental stages of Pakistan. The desire for peace in Afghanistan has continuously been expressed by our leadership and people of Pakistan at all levels. Hence, it would be unwise to even think that Pakistan’s interests would be based on the policy of destabilizing Afghanistan. It is also pertinent to mention here that, Pakistan remained a major Muslim donor country, contributing generous finances for the socio-economic uplift of Afghanistan. the bilateral trade between the two countries is above $ 2 billion besides transit trade . Six Cadets of Afghan National Army have recently been commissioned from Pakistan Military Academy. Pakistan, so far, has spent over 385 Million $ for the development, education and infrastructure building in Afghanistan. Present Government has also added more that 500 Million dollars to help in the progress and prosperity of Afghanistan. Besides, Afghan citizens are generously allowed to avail the same medical and education facilities in Pakistan as Pakistani Citizens are receiving.
Over 35,000 Afghans have graduated from various prestigious Pakistani universities and colleges and now form the backbone of State and Public owned services of Afghanistan. Even at present over 50,000 Afghan students are enrolled in various Pakistani schools and universities. Pakistan has also funded different educational institutions inside Afghanistan such as Allama Iqbal Faculty of Arts- Kabul University, Sir Syed Post Graduate Faculty of Sciences- Nangarhar University, Liaqat Ali Khan Engineering University- Bulkh, Rahman Baba School- Kabul and Rahman Baba Hostel- Kabul. Pakistan has helped Afghan government in developmental projects and roads infrastructure, including building of 75 kilometers Torkham-Jalalabad Road, additional carriage way on Torkham- Jalalabad Road, three internal roads in Jalalabad, digital radio link between Kabul and Peshawar. In addition, Pakistan has also given around 100 public transport buses and 200 trucks to the government of Afghanistan for the welfare of Afghan public.
Despite of the good will, which Pakistan has always made as a main ingredient of our bilateral relations , tensions between the two countries have frequently flared up due the border violations from Afghan side. Even Kabul objected to the border fencing within the Pakistan territory citing “Durand Line issue”. Afghan troops frequently resort to indiscriminate firing on villages and Pakistani posts resulting in martyrdom of many personnel and civilians living in areas near to the entry /exit points at Pak-Afghan border, like, Torkham, Landikotal, Chaman, Qamardin Karez etc. It is estimated that about 15,000 Afghans use Torkham entry /exit gate on daily basis. The frequency of such a huge number of Afghanis visiting Pakistan, just from Torkham gate, offer a fair view of the importance of Pakistan for the Afghan people. Pakistan always respects and welcomes the guests, who respect and observe the law of the country and enter / reside in Pakistan with proper documentation as per internationally observed norms. Whereas the ill legal entrants / residents are ought to be dealt according to the law of the country to protect own citizens and control the security situation. As Pakistan has to tackle the problem of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, effective border management becomes imperative to control all infiltration. Moreover, effective border management would also facilitate both the countries to come out of syndrome of blame game. Pakistan and Afghanistan have previously suggested many initiatives to resolve their differences. However, as fast these solutions had emerged, equally fast these have disappeared due to lack of follow up. Unfortunately, Afghan government has been following a foreign policy with an influenced relationship with India and US, at the expense of Pakistan. Besides, there is a gulf of distrust between both sides. Therefore, it is imperative for both the countries to develop a framework for constructive dialogue on all the irritants and issues by focusing on short, medium and long term solutions. Afghanistan and Pakistan have no other option but to cooperate and resolve their differences through political and diplomatic dialogue. Hence, both the countries need to join hands together to resolve their lingering irritants and issues, needing immediate attention prior any interference of third hand.
