Akhtar Zaman
Experts have a unanimous view that the “dialogue process” between Afghan government and Afghan Taliban is the only way forward and key to the resolution of Afghan situation. The present initiative of the Afghan peace process at Qatar, which although has not yet received any firm confirmation by Taliban, is widely seen and supported as a positive step as negotiation is the only step forward to give peace a chance in Afghanistan. The elements opposed to a peaceful Afghanistan have always attempted to hinder every positive outcome of Pak-Afghan engagement by exploiting proxies to carryout terrorism either on Afghan soil or in Pakistan. In this context India has always been found as the only spoiler in Afghanistan, which is exploiting the organizations like TTP, TTA, ISIS, ETIM etc against Pakistan and China. Sinister activities of India in the Afghan chessboard against Pakistan had earlier been confirmed by Charles Timothy Hagel, Former US Defense Secretary. Besides, the Indian nexus with TTP leaders like Hakimullah Mahsood, Latifullah Mahsood, Mulla Fazaluulah, exploitation of Baloch sub nationalists, Ajeet Doval’s offensive-defensive doctrine, anti-Pakistan statements of Indian / BJP leadership are the broad day revelations of responsible Indian quarters.
It is quite astonishing that the frequency of terrorist incidents in Afghanistan, with the start of the year 2016, have increased manifold. It indicated a pattern, which experts attributed to the frustration of the spoilers of peace, who always got activated; whenever the Afghan government came forward for enhancing the bilateral relations and mutual corporation with Pakistan. Moreover, people of Afghanistan are also feeling wary of protracted proxy warfare, strife and lawlessness in their country and are desirous for peace, which needs to be supported by the regional and international countries. Paradoxically, since the ouster of Taliban regime, Afghanistan has continuously witnessed strife, instability and confrontation between the Kabul government and the former warring groups. The Afghan security mechanism is weak, shaky and heavily dependent on extra regional forces led by the USA. Ironically, due to protracted presence of foreign forces, the country has been engulfed by different strategic perspectives, policies and proxy wars of regional and global stakeholders. Resultantly, the hub of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is affecting the security and strategic paradigms of the neighbouring countries more seriously than before. Earlier, the present Afghan President during his initial tenure of presidency had suggested US/NATO, to make Afghanistan a hub of counter terrorism, while sighting the role of almost every terrorist organization, emanating and disseminating from Afghanistan. In this context, Pakistan has remained a frontline State in bearing the trickling effects of terrorism, from the infected and unstable Afghanistan. It is ironic that despite all the historical facts and figures, Pakistan has been blamed over the follies played by Afghanistan and other countries.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained victims of terrorism unleashed in the region as a part of “new great game”. More annoying is the fact that the vested quarters have always attempted to hamper smooth fostering of trust based relations between the two countries. Unfortunately, the weeds of opposition within the Afghan National Unity Government, on the basis of various issues related to political, diplomatic, governance and appointments at key positions are also harming the Afghan government’s multilateral initiatives for achieving peace and prosperity. The deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan also provided ample opportunities for the manifestation of hostile agenda with their nefarious and sinister activities against Pakistan. Our adversaries have been fueling proxy wars against Pakistan, but Pakistan has always expressed and practically endorsed its firm resolve against terrorism. Pakistan is sincerely committed to play a positive role and no irritant or issue can deter Pakistan from endeavoring for a peaceful Afghanistan.
Experts opine that the security situation in Afghanistan has turned into a new dimension of concern and confusion for Pakistan. Since, the ex Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, who is known for being influenced by India has once again come out of his cocoon and started juggling words against Pakistan. His negative pursuits were quite obvious from his uttered statements, downgrading the Pakistan’s efforts towards achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan and beyond. Moreover, such elements are also attempting to falsely link Pakistan; with the emergence of ISIS in Afghanistan. Experts also opined that Indian influence has almost spread at grass root level in Afghan government, political and diplomatic circles, which has erupted an unimaginable negativity effecting almost every major decision of the Afghan government against Pakistan. The increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan has also been viewed negatively by the forces waging proxies in the region. They try to scuttle every such effort by up scaling the proxy propelled terrorist activities in both countries. The objectives of these elements have remained to fan feelings of suspicion and mistrust between Afghan government and Pakistan. It is also an attempt to terrorize Pakistani people and dilute the impression of success of the operation Zarb-e-Azb. The said damaging trend has the potential to derail the ongoing initiatives of fostering good relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan has always desired for peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and endeavored to foster friendly, cooperative and progressing relations. Through diplomatic, political and military channels, Pakistan has been reiterating for the same with usual vigor, esteem, hope and full of commitment. Pakistan has also exhibited diplomatic magnanimity over any disheartening response from Afghanistan.
