ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
Decades long unrest and unstoppable bloodshed remains the haunting identity of Afghanistan. Is it destiny or the outcome of flawed decision making ? Hard to comment or to precisely classify the turmoil. There is absolute absence of collective wisdom in war ridden Afghan society. In fact it was absent even at the time of Russian invasion. Tribal societies usually exist with inbuilt divisions so the blame for Afghan crisis can not be credited entirely to the local stake holders. Responsibility for this great regional crisis primarily rests with foreign stake holders. Invader is the most appropriate term for foreign stake holders who willfully destroyed the socio-economic structure of Afghanistan. Millions of Afghans suffered the pain of migration and now their third generation is still in the grinder of being a refugee. Russian invasion and American counter maneuvering eventually turned this whole fuss into a great human tragedy. Pakistan is the second major victim of Afghan unrest, though, our role or unparallel support to American actions remains a questionable chapter of regional history meriting extra ordinary introspection. Why the victims are all set to fire upon each other? Bitter tone of Aghan officials against Pakistan reflects the intensity of bilateral tensions. Though, Pakistan usually avoids reacting in similar harsh tone but at the same time never moves forward to repair the damaged ties. This policy of soft tone is not a sign of superior wisdom rather a painful reflection of diplomatic dysfunction. Instead of complaining about Indian cunning moves in Afghanistan, a positive diplomatic response aiming at damage control measures, will definitely prove better than what is being done since long at our end. Intents of regional and extra regional players are known to all. India is rapidly pursuing her goals by exploiting the available potentials. Undoubtedly, India is contributing to the regional instability but our policy of ‘no response’ in appropriate coins has also proved equally damaging. Recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Parachinar merit a joint introspection on part of both stake holders. Direct communication should be the priority mode for future bilateral engagements. Extra regional and foreign players must be kept in a minus list. It is about time to learn the most obvious lesson out of decades long unrest that all the sufferings are being faced by Pakistan and Afghanistan. No argument can justify the presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan. Pakistan, though rightly maintains the reservations against Afghan officials harsh tone but at the same time, should vigorously move forward to heal the wounds of bleeding neighbor. Peace and stability should be the common agenda point for both victims. Fast paced acceleration with positive intent can turn the impossible into
possible. Intents of Iran, India and USA are open as a lot has been discussed on this topic. Complaining about others is easy as well as non – productive. Every nation has right to safeguard her interests. Let’s not be the ‘fault finder’ only and try to be active in practical terms too. Foreign office has a great challenge ahead in Afghanistan. If we succeed in engaging Afghans , China and Russia without annoying USA then the regional peace would no more be a distant cry. An extra ordinary crisis deserves a desperate dash with extra ordinary wisdom. Our actions will actually reflect the true intent and capacity as the verbal claims means nothing in this complex scenario.
