Since August 2021, Pakistan’s continued efforts for a permanent solution to cross-border incursion by the Afghan-based terrorists speak volumes about its sincerity and quest for a peaceful region. Besides diplomatic engagement, regional countries’ platforms were also utilised to persuade the Afghan Taliban to address Pakistan’s concerns, but unfortunately, their stubbornness and hardline approach put the peace of the entire region at stake.
Recent border clashes between the two countries were a direct result of years of cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil. The core issue between the two countries is Afghanistan harbouring terrorists as proxies against Pakistan, verified through countless evidence besides numerous international reports.
The core issue between the two countries is Afghanistan harbouring terrorists as proxies against Pakistan, verified through countless evidence besides numerous international reports.
Despite continued provocation from the other side, the world is witnessing Pakistan’s highly responsible role in the peaceful settlement of the chronic cross-border terrorism issue with Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban authorities were repeatedly apprised that, being a landlocked country, their economic lifeline is dependent on Pakistan and peace in the region. Despite the Afghan Taliban non non-cooperative approach, the Government of Pakistan implemented the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), granting Afghanistan duty-free access to ports and regional markets to boost regional trade. In addition to the above, business visa facilitation and improved border trade mechanisms were also introduced. Through the Early Harvest Program (EHP), Pakistan reduced tariffs on eight key Afghan exports to strengthen bilateral trade and economic integration. On one side, Pakistan exercised patience and introduced multiple policies for establishing peace and economic activity, but unfortunately, the response was bomb blasts, ambushes and cross-border infiltration.
The current ceasefire with the mediation of Qatar and Turkey provides an opportunity for the Afghan Taliban to shun their old strategy and honour the ceasefire agreement. Pakistan is keenly observing the Afghan Taliban’s response towards implementing their promises. They must not forget that Pakistan’s last four decades of policy of restraint no longer exist now. Taliban must address security concerns – terrorism and border regulation issues. The Doha ceasefire agreement has made it clear that if terrorist attacks continue, Pakistan will resort to striking terror camps and
headquarters in Afghanistan, wherever these may be present in Kabul and other cities.
The Taliban have been governing Afghanistan for the last four years, and it is their responsibility not to allow anyone to use their soil for terrorism. Now they should come out of denial mode and contribute meaningfully to regional peace and stability. Pakistan’s demand from the Afghan Taliban is very simple: let the people of the region enjoy the dividends of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
The writer is a freelance columnist.