Abdullah Mustafvi
Much awaited news of a peace deal between US and Afghan Taliban has eventually surfaced though wrapped in with doubts and uncertainty. No one can deny that Pakistan has played a major role in paving the way for peace out of rocks. Prevalence of peace is must for the betterment of whole region .A bitter lesson of the history is that Afghan unrest and deterioration directly affects Pakistan. It is also an undeniable fact that success of every solution for this crisis primarily depends upon Pak- Afghan cooperation. A simple but bitter reality is that Pak- Afghan present rift suits to peace spoiler forces. It is an unpleasant truth that onceeffective acceleration of operation Zarb-e-Azb compelled the hard core terrorists to run from FATA to Afghanistan, it could only be possible due to non-closure of escape routes. Despite frequent reminders from Pakistan, these escape routes were not sealed by the forces holding control over Afghan soil. This act was not less than a deliberate attempt to sabotage operation Zarb-e-Azb. It is more surprising that USA and NATO forces are fully equipped with modern military gadgets capable enough to detect and strike the terrorists. Subsequently, these terrorists regrouped and kept killing the citizens all across Pakistan in parks, mosques, shrines, and even the innocent kids at APS Peshawar. Terroriststried toover run the writ of the state through deadly strikes. Unfortunately, these terrorists have been freely operating against Pakistan from Afghan land under obvious Indian patronage . Under these circumstances, American objections or suspicions on Pakistan in the past created bitterness in bi-lateral relations. Freedom of action available to terrorists in Afghan territory along Pak border, in the presence of well equipped foreign forces, radiated a dangerous message.Alongside terrorist strikes, a fresh series of militant attacks on Pak border posts started from Afghan territory. Undeniably, these terrorists enjoy full support of ANA, NDS and RAW. Willful grant of vicious freedom to these terrorists in Afghanistan clearly portrayed a dangerous scenario. Indo-American nexus aims at restricting Chinese economic as well as geo-strategic expansion therefore destabilization in Pakistan remains one of the foremost priorities. Frequent cease fireviolations at LOC, hostilities at western border and existence of RAW sponsored terrorist networks sufficiently prove the reality of threats originating from neighborhood. A common citizen is really confused on this point that how peace process would succeed with so many issues still awaiting settlemen? Military operation was an important segment of anti terrorism drive and it obtained significant successes but on the other side of border Afghanistan remained disturbed. Despite recent acceleration towards peace deal , disputed presidential elections have so much potential to spoil the whole scenario built so far. These signs are not good for the future as durable peace is not possible without overcoming the deep rooted differences among all Afghan stake holders . On external front, Pakistan being a key facilitator of peace process is facing highly complex challenges. Correct comprehension of Afghan dynamics is must before exploring options for peace. Verbal cannonade of Afghan leadership against Pakistan in the past had been a source of undue trouble. Indian influence was visible in every gesture of Afghanistan and it should not be surprising for us at all. Puppet government is entirely dysfunctional and spineless at internal front of Afghanistan. Vast territory of Afghanistan is under control of those Taliban who have a long history of resistance fight against foreign occupied forces. Few Afghan areas along Pak border were under control of TTP which pursues Indo-American objectives through terrorism against Pakistan. One can imagine the fate of poor Afghan masses who suffer either in the hands of corrupt Afghan government officials or face the brutalities of militants. Majority of these oppressed Afghanis look with hope towards Pakistan in daily routine matters like trade, education and medical emergencies.It is not an easy affair for Pakistan to explore the peace possibilities while dealing with ill-intentioned Afghan officials, brutal terrorists, hostile India and hypocrite America. We need superior wisdom and extra ordinary diplomatic efficiency. Military operation provided a position of strength to the state in a highly critical phase of this complex war.Emergent decision making is required to fully capture the advantage as any laxity or delay will be unaffordable. It is about time to counter the ill effects of Indo-USA coercive nexus at regional front which are now evident with recent visit of President Trump to India. Present instability and unrest can only be settled through regional stake holders like Russia, China and Iran.Pakistan’s resilience and historic fight against terrorism is the most credible proof which can effectively counter all the baseless allegations.Governing the crisis through regional stake holders is a cogent but uphill task. While analyzing various dimensions of existing crisis , it must be kept in mind that a bluff or betrayal with Pakistan would be damaging for the entire region . Afghan stake holders should strive hard for a larger consensus to govern the Afghanistan without foreign interference and influences. Undeniably, success of Afghan peace process is conditioned with the success of Intra-Afghan dialogue and trust based cooperation with neighbours.
