Arif Khan
Ironically, since the ouster of Taliban regime, Afghanistan has continuously witnessed strife, instability and confrontation between the Kabul government and the warring groups. The Afghan security mechanism is termed as weak, shaky and heavily dependent on extra regional forces, led by the USA. Paradoxically, due to protracted presence of foreign forces, the country has twisted between different strategic perspectives, policies and proxy wars of regional and global stakeholders. Resultantly, the tremors of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan are affecting the security and strategic paradigms of the neighbouring countries more seriously than before. Being geographically contagious and due to its role and interests, Pakistan has remained a frontline state in bearing the simmering effects of an unstable Afghanistan.
Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani initially made efforts to achieve Peace and stability for the country. Unfortunately the weeds of opposition within Afghanistan severely harmed the Afghan government initiatives. The negativity prevailing at the core of Afghan political and military hierarchy effectively disrupted the positive momentum, which was very carefully and thoughtfully mirrored by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Without any exaggeration, Pakistan and Afghanistan remained victims of terrorism unleashed in the region played by the big powers. The vested quarters have always attempted to hamper the smooth fostering of bilateral relations between the two Muslim countries. The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan also provided ample opportunities to the agenda of hostile elements who never desisted from furthering their wicked and menacing activities. They have been fueling proxy wars phenomenon as a rule of business in the region. The earlier resolves for enhancing the bilateral relations between both the countries was supported by Ashraf Ghani, his encouraging inclination to jointly bring peace in the region, paved the way for an expanded cooperation between both the countries. Frequent bilateral visits, Heart of Asia conference meetings, quadrilateral talks and peace dialogue process between the conflicting Afghan Taliban and the Afghan government remained the prominent contours of bilateral cooperation. Pakistan’s role in every peace initiative of Afghanistan is surely the evidences of her sincere efforts.
The security situation in Afghanistan has broadly turned into a new dimension of concern and confusion of emergence and strong footing of Daesh or ISIS . The recent peace conference held in Moscow, which was significantly attended by Afghan Taliban and the Afghan government representatives. Astonishingly, Hamid Karzai, who is known for being influenced by India, also attended the said conference. However, nothing concrete has yet been achieved and it is expected that new round of talks would be held at some other time and place.
As far as the personality of Hamid Karzai is concerned, his negative pursuits were quite obvious from his past uttered statements against Pakistan. He not only downgraded the Pakistan efforts towards achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan but also criticized the US role in Afghanistan. Experts believe that Pakistan has always welcomed reconciliation efforts between the Afghan Government and the Afghan Taliban but it must also be mindful about the role of Hamid Karzai and Zalmay Khalilzad.
The expected damaging role by the negative elements of Afghanistan has the potential to derail the ongoing initiatives of fostering peace talks and enhancing bilateral 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. In the presence of the prevailing negativity, Pakistan government needs to be careful against the efforts being made by the anti-Pakistan elements and her adversaries to disrupt the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.
