Arab News
MUHAMMAD WAQAS
As the year 2015 draws to a close, who would have thought that leaders of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan would sit together on the same table to express a renewed desire for peace and economic cooperation in the region?
A breakthrough in their poisoned relations had nearly been impossible, but updates from the recently concluded Heart of Asia Conference point to a brighter future. Such is the unpredictable nature of foreign relations between these neighboring countries.
By the end of the event, participants had pledged enhanced cooperation in the areas of economic development, connectivity and security. At the core of their 43-point declaration was a collective approach to conflict resolution by advancing peace efforts in Afghanistan so that the region could actualize its true potential.
This points out to the importance of working closely with the Afghan Taliban and other militant groups to tackle the Afghan security issue and restore writ of the Ghani government in the country. At the same time, both Pakistan and India showed encouraging signs of pushing ahead with their reinvigorated ties at the conference and wholeheartedly pursue a comprehensive dialogue on all outstanding issues.
In diplomatic terms, Pakistan has scored a major victory by hosting this conference to engage both India and Afghanistan for progress in bilateral relations. This initiative places Pakistan at the center stage of new peace initiatives and fast-changing geopolitical realities of the region. However, actual progress on these commitments is dependent on sincere actions from all stakeholders rather than only hopeful speeches. The declarations mask complexities and challenges in domestic and global landscape faced by India, Pakistan and Afghanistan in establishing peace and stability. By no means, it will be an easy ride for the conference participants. While only a politically negotiated solution may bring enduring peace to Afghanistan, the Afghan Taliban have shown tremendous resilience in fighting and carrying out attacks in major cities across the country. After the death of Mullah Omar, the Taliban have broken into several factions and are facing a severe leadership crisis. So far, these factions have not shown an inclination to commence a peace dialogue with the government, which could jeopardize the Ghani administration. Further, both India and Pakistan are trying to protect their vested interests in Afghanistan and have previously blamed each other of supporting anti-state elements there. Such accusations will surely test the grit of India and Pakistan in working together for success of the Afghan reconciliation process.
Meanwhile, Pakistan would also expect the Afghan government to step up its border patrolling and stop harboring anti-Pakistan forces. Cordial India, Pakistan relations provide a mouthwatering trade and economic prospect that could usher a new era of socioeconomic development in the region. The recent high-level engagements are a positive sign, but leadership of both countries must remain wary of hard-liners who strongly detest any improvement in their relations. As seen in several past peace attempts, Kashmir should not prove to be the stumbling block again. By taking confidence-building measures in wide ranging topics, India and Pakistan should earn each other’s respect and trust to harmonize their ties.
The role of global community, especially US and China, cannot be highlighted enough to help these neighboring countries to strengthen cooperation, deal with security challenges, and build economic ties. After all, a more peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and South Asian region is in best interest of the world at large.
