Yousaf jalil
Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained victims of terrorism unleashed in the region as a component of proxies, orchestrated by the regional as well as the international players to achieve their so called national interests. The vested quarters have always endeavored to hamper the smooth fostering of trust based relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Internally, Afghanistan government has fragmented , as the weeds of opposition within the Afghan National Unity Government have flourished into considerable disagreements. At times it seems like own elements challenging the authority of the government. Even the hand picked appointed personalities of the Afghan government , publicly criticized the steps of the Kabul government. So overall, the essence of the democracy is yet far away from Afghans. The general public of Afghanistan are fed up with the cat and mouse game between President Ashraf Ghani and CEO, Abdullah Abdullah. It is ultimately damaging the over all peace and security environment of the country. In such a scenario, the sincerity of other Afghan politicians, becomes a question mark for common Afghans, who are sincere with their country and want peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating day by day. due to the frequent security failures of the Afghan security forces. The recent explosion of Maidan Shahr, central Wardak province of Afghanistan is the latest on the list. The responsibility for said explosion is claimed by the Afghan Taliban. It killed over hundred personnel and Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack. Such attacks are determined for the ongoing peace process. Besides, such attacks are providing generous opportunities for adversaries for the manifestation of their hostile agenda against Afghanistan as well as Pakistan.
Our adversaries have been fueling proxy war against Pakistan, by exploiting the Afghan soil. Pakistan has always expressed and practically endorsed its firm resolve against terrorism by even offering its mutual cooperation and collaboration with Intelligence Agency. However, due to overburdened aid and funding by the donors and their apparent friends are influencing negatively on the Afghan government for taking major decisions. Afghanistan’s politically limping government is trying to sustain and prolong their tenure. Experts suggest that there should be a rationale thinking by the policy makers of Afghanistan , that if their government is unable to foster good relations with the neighbours like Pakistan, at least a working and need based relations should not be tarnished on the behest of India. As ,bad relations between both the countries, severely damage Afghanistan than Pakistan.
Pakistan is providing health, education, economic breathe to Afghan brethren without labeling them unwanted foreigners. In fact when the Afghan brothers and sisters arrive in Pakistan on legal documentation, there is no distinction of Afghani and Pakistani, as most of them due to our common culture, traditions, language , religion, allow them to blend into Pakistani society. Besides, there is a broad acceptance of Afghans in Pakistan, as we are hosting a large of Afghan refugees. Pakistan is sincerely committed to play a positive role and facilitating conducive atmosphere for bilateral talks. Pakistan has already committed herself on the agenda that let no irritant could deter Pakistan from endeavoring towards a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, having a positive trickling down effects on Pakistan. 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 is always blamed without realizing and appreciating the facts and sacrifices of Pakistani nation and its Armed forces in fighting against the terrorism. Pakistan always desire a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and endeavors to foster friendly, cooperative and progressing relations. Through diplomatic, political and Military channels, Pakistan has been reiterating for the same aim with usual vigor, esteem, hope and full of commitment. Pakistan has also exhibited diplomatic magnanimity over any disheartening response from Afghanistan. In the presence of the prevailing negativity, Pakistan government needs to be careful against the efforts being made by adversaries to disrupt the Pak-Afghan bilateral relations. Besides, the Afghan leadership should also work with all the regional states and avoid short term approaches. Experts believe that Afghanistan should carve out a sustainable trajectory of bilateral relations with Pakistan and other regional countries by following Afghan led and Afghan owned foreign relations.
