Daily Times

Shah Mehmood Qureshi has recognised the crucial role that India has to play in securing the Afghan quagmire. The timing of this assertion is important given that the Foreign Minister is all set to hop on over to Kabul at the end of the week to talk about the peace process. Thus it serves as a timely reminder to the Ghani regime that while Pakistan has a role to play in facilitating reconciliation — responsibility for this cannot be exclusively outsourced to this country.

To be sure, the Afghanistan question is one of regional importance. As last month’s Russia-hosted talks underscored. Participation extended to some 10 nation states whose security is linked to that of Kabul; including New Delhi. That was only right and just. And as the FM is keen to point out: India has an extensive presence across the Durand Line. Meaning that when seen through Pakistani eyes this looks an awful lot like encirclement.

Of course, Qureshi did not mention this. But is something that should be brought up in private with President Ghani. Ditto when it comes to the suspected funding by New Delhi of militant groups that target Pakistan from Afghan soil. Not least because the incoming centcom (US Central Command) chief recently acknowledged that Pakistan confronts tangible security concerns vis-à-vis India on the eastern front. All of which suggests that Islamabad is no longer on the back-foot when dealing with the Americans. Though this likely represents but a small window of opportunity given that President Trump will soon have one eye on re-election. Thus the political set-up here must be prepared to use the available time as prudently as possible.

The FM has made a good first step towards this end by casting India as crucial cog in the quagmire wheel. That being said, this was a role envisaged by this White House as part of its strategic vision for South Asia. And it is one that remains controversial here in this country. After all, the Indians are already heavily involved in training Afghan forces and are being encouraged to invest in reconstruction. It is therefore up to Pakistan’s lawmakers, including the joint opposition, to seek clarification from Mr Qureshi as to whether or not the government is now fully endorsing US policy in this regard. That this was not raised during the National Assembly session in which the FM initially made these comments is highly disappointing.

Where the ruling PTI risks losing the upper hand is with its persistent claim that it has been the lone voice during the last 17 years pushing for a political solution to Afghanistan. For this is simply not true. Indeed, less than a month into Operation Enduring Freedom Gen Musharraf — in a joint press conference with then Secretary of State Colin Powell — stressed that a negotiated settlement would be the only way to bring peace to that country. Thus when a seasoned politician such as the FM issues such remarks it smacks of immaturity and misplaced point-scoring. And it relegates Afghans to little more than bit parts in their own history. Another area in which the PTI needs to rein it in is its constant mission to seemingly trump India diplomatically. Such as, berating the latter for begrudgingly agreeing to the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor while basking in the glow of self-congratulation. For such sentiments detract from the core issue of facilitating the Sikh community.

It is therefore hoped that Mr Qureshi keeps all of this in mind as he readies for his Kabul trip. After all, no one wants to see him squander hard-earned goodwill for Pakistan. *

Published in Daily Times, December 13^th 2018.