Daily Times

The conflict in Afghanistan affects, and under certain conditions, will exacerbate the region’s instabilities: ethnic and religious conflict, Islamic extremism, transnational criminal activities, drug trafficking, resource exploitation issues, poor governance, and great power rivalries. As Afghanistan is under severe unrest and turmoil since more than 30 years, an active participation is needed from all the regional stakeholders for securing and stabilising Afghanistan. No decision for Afghanistan can be made without the facilitating role in terms of active politico-economic and diplomatic moves by the regional countries. No doubt, a number of regional conferences on Afghan peace and stability have been held. But no tangible outcome has been seen yet due to a lack of serious efforts taken by the regional powers for the solution of the Afghanistan issue.

Unfortunately, the dilemma with Afghanistan is that all neighbouring countries distinguish their own interests rather than unite on common ground for the stability of Afghanistan and that of the region. A small initiative can be made on the regional level if the countries work for the stability of Afghanistan and accept a stable Afghanistan in the interest of the whole region.

The three decades of instability and war in Afghanistan has had a serious spillover effect on the economy, security, and law and order situation of Pakistan. It has also had many adverse effects on Pakistan’s image on the whole. At present, two and a half million Afghans spread from north to south around the country. Pakistan always seems to be desirous of a friendly political relationship with Afghanistan, but unfortunately, it has become an elusive dream that will not get the colours of reality if the prevailing situation of mistrust continues to grow. However, the west-backed President Hamid Karzai government’s double-edged strategies are responsible for unreliable policies towards Pakistan and the region as well.

While focusing on the reconciliation process, Pakistan’s role is of utmost importance as it has played an indispensable role in the Afghan reconciliation process. Pakistan always preferred the regional approach, especially the role of Afghanistan and neighbouring countries for the peaceful and long-term resolution of Afghanistan’s situation. President Karzai in his joint press conference with the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yousaf Raza Gilani, said that it was not possible to reach any conclusion or achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan without the cooperation and positive role of Pakistan.

Pakistan showed full support in resolving the Afghan entanglement, and contributed at the highest level with the western powers while having complaints and grievances but still opening Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) for the US-NATO-ISAF forces. Though Pakistan’s position in outlining the future of Afghanistan was previously being denied in the regional politics but it is accepted en bloc as a frontline ally and a partner, without whom the reconciliation and exit strategy cannot be put forward.

Pakistan always preferred Afghanistan to be a stable country with properly functional politico-economic systems and be a sovereign and responsible regional and international player. Nevertheless, the new regional geo-strategic and political realities demand that Pakistan needs to enhance its regional relations to fulfil its Regional Conversion of Interest, which should be preferably restrained by all regional players for the peace and better security of regional development.

Because the destiny of Pakistan and Afghanistan is interlinked due to their cultural, ethnic, religious and historical ties, instability in Afghanistan would cause more adverse suffering to Pakistan. Thus Pakistan’s utmost interest would be a stable and progressive Afghanistan. Although Islamabad and Kabul have not had the same regional interests, geo-strategic compulsions force them to work on common goals for peace and development for both of them.

The writer works as a Research Associate for Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad and she can be contacted at beenish@thestrategicvision.com