Daily Times

Media reports about preliminary contacts between the Afghan government and Taliban through behind-the-scenes efforts by Pakistan have given some hope of peace in the region. It has also been reported that the Afghan Taliban’s Doha office has been revived. The dialogue process is at the very initial stage and it has been reported that formal talks will be held next month. There are also reports that two rounds of talks have already been held between the Afghan Taliban and senior government officials in Beijing through the help of Pakistan, which has given a go-ahead to the reconciliation process. To predict the possible outcome of this peace process at this stage is very difficult. The conditions and demands upon which the peace process hinges are still unknown. With uncertainty looming large, nothing can be said precisely about the latest development. There are only indications about the start of the peace process. Presumably, all sides have become realistic in their approach towards peace. Even the hardline Taliban seem sick of war due to their inability to take full control of Afghanistan, while the Afghan government itself is seeking the help of other neighbouring countries for striking a peace deal with the insurgents. In order to win the trust of China, the Afghan government has arrested and handed over several Uighur militants in an effort to persuade Beijing to use its influence on Pakistan to help start negotiations with the Taliban. China has already offered to mediate between the Afghan Taliban and the government. On its part, Pakistan is making efforts for the success of the peace talks. Pakistan has already suffered huge losses due to the ongoing Afghan war. It has been facing isolation and its economy is unable to sustain the fallout of further instability. Islamabad needs to improve its image in the eyes of other countries due to its past reputation of having close ties with jihadi elements.

The recent developments are only indications of a new episode of the peace process. However, a perception exists that the governments, people and even militants have become tired of warfare in the region. Pakistan and India too have taken an initiative to break the political impasse by initiating the long delayed dialogue process. India has shown its willingness to send its foreign secretary to Islamabad. The agenda of talks might include the old contentious issues like the Mumbai attack and the Samjhota Express tragedy. Nevertheless, it is good that the two neighbours have agreed to resume talks. It is a good sign that all three countries are coming round the table of talks. In the present age, nobody can deny the dividends of peace, which guarantee the development of a nation. If some efforts are being made to revive peace, they should be supported by all stakeholders.

There is a need to check any threat to keep regional destabilization at bay. The governments of India and Pakistan must cooperate in their larger national interests. Both Pakistan and India should defuse tensions at the border and fully support the peace process. The first and foremost thing for bringing peace in the region is that serious efforts are required to be made to persuade theTaliban to give up armed struggle and start peace talks. The use of force by any party for achieving its objectives has not been successful in any part of the world. The indulgence in war for years and years did not make any group or government the winner in Afghanistan. The promulgation of democratic principles, rule of law, equal opportunities for development and education are some of the steps needed to be taken for stability in the region. *