Mubarak Ali Baloch
Pak-Afghan relations have plummeted to a new low. A series of incidents including firing on a Pakistani census team along Pakistan-Afghanistan border and subsequent armed clash between security forces of two countries at Chaman check-post weakened the already fragile mutual trust between two. Clashes reported to have caused several causalities. As if this was not enough, a few days back sleuths of National Directorate of Security (NDS), the premier intelligence agency of Afghanistan flouting the diplomatic immunity harassed one staffer and a driver of Pakistan embassy in Kabul. Hassan Khanzada, visa assistant at embassy and driver Syed Munir Shah were taken into custody from a stationery shop in a market in Kabul and were subjected to torture for three hours before being set free. Pakistan foreign office summoned Afghan deputy head of mission Zardasht Shams and lodged strong protest over the incident and termed it violation of Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations (1961). About a week back prior to this incident Afghan army delegation led by its Director General Military Operations visited GHQ at Rawalpindi where in the bilateral talks importance of mutual trust, cordial relations and collaborative efforts for peace in Afghanistan was underscored.
The malevolence between two countries is not simple to understand as malice unfortunately sits too deep. External dynamics also have aggravating impact on brewing situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Understandably, the strategic interests of America and India are in conflict with those of China and Pakistan in the region. Although America has not completely severed its ties with Pakistan yet its pronounced inclination to New Delhi, the traditional rival of Islamabad, certainly wore relations between the two thin. Perhaps Washington’s tilt towards New Delhi is not with intent to settle some score with Islamabad, rather America is out to oppose China’s growing regional influence after it unfolded OBOR (One Road, One Belt) and CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) being one of its major components. But Pakistan is still to suffer probably the intended damage emanating from Sino-US hostility in the region. On the other hand for India neutralizing two countries (both Pakistan and China) is in line with her interests.
USA’s increased interaction with India particularly defence related ties, transfer of civilian nuclear technology and serious advocacy to facilitate India’s entry in NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) are the justified cause of concern for Pakistan. The latter has multiple issues including territorial disputes and Kashmir being the core issue, with India. Besides, several active military confrontations between two countries had already taken place. On the other hand, Pakistan’s close ally status with China is anathema to US. The latter’s efforts for India’s entry in NSG have been vetoed by China. Thus US and India while sitting in Afghanistan are doing a disservice to Pakistan’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan. Anti-Pakistan activities are actually fomented by India with the help of its covert intelligence apparatus stationed in Afghanistan. Abetment to TTP (Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), Jamat-ul-Ahrar (JUA) and adding to the insurgency in Balochistan are the oft-reported activities of India.
Afghan soil is being used for proxies. Pakistan has been crying hoarse that Afghanistan is extending connivance to anti-Pakistan activities from Afghan soil. Thus the elusive peace in Afghanistan and unsettling security situation in Pakistan are the victims of a game actually designed to scuttle China’s influence in the region. Afghanistan being landlocked and mainly dependent on Pakistan to have commercial access with outside world through Karachi seaport should rethink about the value of a peaceful Pakistan for it. Besides, it has religio-cultural affinity with Pakistan rather than with India or with any other country. Pashtun dominated Afghan demography has ethnic comfort with Pashtun population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and elsewhere in Pakistan. Hence in view of well-entrentched socio-cultural affinity Kabul must not allow itself being misused against interest of its neighbour. Permanent peace in Afghanistan would only be possible in case Afghanistan lowers its belligerency level and confidence building measures are taken. Proxies and peace spoilers are unlikely to allow two countries to maintain amicability and overcome the cleavage existing between the two. Relations must exude neighbourliness and bonhomie burying the bad-blood to the discomfort of the detractors of two countries.
Internally polarized and politically weak government of President Ashraf Ghani is heavily dependent on foreign forces to control the challenging security situation in Afghanistan. Besides, the incapability and corruption in government departments are also causing adverse impact on the overall governance in Afghanistan. Situation is grim for President Ghani. Given the said situation current governmental dispensation in Afghanistan is left with no independent option of its own. Foreign forces apparently working for peace in Afghanistan have been pursuing the interests of their respective countries. Afghanistan’s internal situation is both intriguing and constraining for President Ashraf Ghani. In fact the continuity of his incumbency is also depending on the nod of certain forces not under his control. Internal differences between President Ashraf Ghani and his coalition partners are also reducing Mr Ghani’s position weak. Thus cumulative effect of multiple issues has made permanent peace in Afghanistan the major victim. Costing doubt on the sincerity of Pakistan’s efforts for peace is a bit difficult to understand. Political leadership of Afghanistan should tackle the internal polarisation on priority and disallow misuse of Afghan soil against Pakistan. This will go a long way in paving the way for creating situation ideal for peace efforts to bear the desired fruit.
