By Khalid Asghar
The history of Afghanistan is in the mesmerizing episode but there are many chapters yet to unfold. Apparent happy ending of the story is although far ahead, but could also turn into tragedy again, if the deceptions posed by the wicked lambs are not tackled wisely. Since the visit of new Afghan president Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan, both sides witnessed an increased economic and security cooperation to promote regional peace efforts. The problems of Afghanistan are numerous, which could take volumes to narrate but the key to improve the situation is developing and contributing own economy, which could further lead them to better education, social life, politics, diplomacy and her positive and constructive role in the region.
Pak-Afghan relations are gaining positive momentum, an impressive milestone came in terms of training of Afghanistan cadets in the Pakistan’s prestigious Military Academy, Kabul which could be helpful in advancing the multi dimensioned bilateral relations between Pakistan Afghanistan. In this regard, the Afghan Army Chief of Staff, General Sher Mohammed Karimi visited Pakistan on April 17 for talks on bilateral security issues and attending the passing out parade in Kakul. He met with General Raheel Sharif on the first day of the trip. According to the military, the two officials discussed border management and defence cooperation related matters.
While addressing the passing out parade in Kakul the Afghanistan’s military chief called for sincere counter terrorism cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as both countries face a grave threat from Non State actors. He stressed the need for close cooperation between the two countries to tackle terrorism by the Non State actors in the region. He also highlighted that “we see around us almost every day the world and our region especially Afghanistan and Pakistan today face the greatest threats and dangers from individuals and groups that are not affiliated directly with any State”,. He also mentioned that “this ‘new enemy’ does not recognize countries, boundaries and “is not bound by any religious and moral principles”.
He added that countering and ultimately defeating this menace and threats therefore require sincere close result oriented cooperation and coordination between states especially between next door neighbors”, Afghanistan and Pakistan have seen tremendous improvement in bilateral relations. General public of both the countries hailed the improved level of bilateral ties with Afghanistan. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai often accused Pakistan of sheltering the Taliban militants in its border region.
He never bothered to share any information with Pakistan for taking due actions as incase of school attack in Peshawar, Pakistan swiftly shared the evidences of the perpetrators in Afghanistan who were involved in the brutal school attack in Peshawar at the highest level. Appreciatively, Afghan authorities responded appropriately. Countries cannot be ruled on personal whims and abhorrence as Hamid Karzai did during his failed era of presidency which was accordingly criticized by the international community including USA. Contrary to his predecessor, Mr. President Ashraf Ghani has very intelligently opted to serve the Afghan nation and rebuild his country. His great compromise for sharing the unthinkable power sharing with Mr. Abdullah Abdullah speak volumes for his love and affection for his country.
The US has also acknowledged the positive trend and increased cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan and has promised to continue its support in bringing them closer to ensure regional peace. However, the key question would remain the adjustment of interests of major powers in the region.
As far as the Indian role in Afghanistan is concerned, just keep aside Pakistan’s version on the issue and concentrate on the friend’s version about India, like the historic revelation by US Defense secretary Chuck Hagel that “India has always used Afghanistan as a second front against Pakistan and India has over the years been financing problems in Pakistan”. Chuck Hagel’s rare candor endorsed Pakistan’s long standing argument that India used Afghanistan territory to hurt Pakistan, Which has been one of the main sources of instability in the region. Unfortunately, Hamid Karzai remained a handful puppet for India.
Contrary, the actions of the newly elected Afghan president Ashraf Ghani indicates that he is convinced with the strategic importance of Pakistan for Afghanistan as after the recent Afghan presidential vote, President Ashraf Ghani chose Beijing and Islamabad as the first two capitals to visit. He has not yet visited New Delhi. China’s role in Afghanistan for facilitating the peace talks with Taliban is an encountering factor. There are reports that an Afghan Taliban delegation was recently hosted in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials and possibly it came weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s visit to China. China is investing in the $3 billion Aynak copper mining project, the biggest single investment to date in Afghanistan. In addition, China has announced plans to participate in building infrastructure projects like hydro electric plants, railway and roads etc.
There is dire need to augment regional and international efforts to cooperate against counter-terrorism for security in the regional against ISIL and other such groups. On the Afghan side of things, former president Hamid Karzai has also reportedly begun efforts being endorsed by Highly Peace Council to open lines of communication with the Taliban and get the process moving. He is said to be soon expected to meet with some Taliban representatives in Turkey or Germany. However, some analyst believe that Hamid Karzai’s credentials are not efficient enough which could allow him to mediate as a neutral personality or on government behalf, because Hamid Karzai is partly to the miseries of innocent Afghan women and children.
During his laps of presidential term he quite often shed crocodile’s tears over the brutality of allied forces killing of innocent lives but his hypocrisy got unveiled by a number of incidents. His present pursuits if any regarding initiating peace talks with Taliban may not be fruitful. There is an interesting emerging dimension of peace talks of Taliban as China shown willingness to facilitate the process but keeping in view the burgeoning interest of US and India in the regional affairs and especially in Afghanistan would remain major concerns.
