Rule of law vital to reshaping ties with Kabul, say experts

Islamabad : Experts at a discussion urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to adhere to the rule of law through a "balanced approach" to effectively restructure their relations following the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021.

They insisted that both countries should follow that principle at the policy level, in border management, and in all interactions, while recognising each other’s sovereignty and understanding diverse viewpoints.

These efforts are essential for promoting regional stability and building mutual trust, according to them.

The event titled “Trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Post-August 2021” was organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) Peshawar here.

With Pakistan’s former special representative on Afghanistan M Sadiq in the chair, the session was addressed by IPS chairman Khalid Rahman, IRS chairman Dr Muhammad Iqbal Khalil, former senator Farhatullah Babar, head of the International Relations Department at the National Defence University Dr. Khuram Iqbal, former ambassador Ayaz Wazir, defence analyst Brigadier (r) Said Nazir, and GIZ Pakistan policy adviser Noorulain Naseem.

The panellists said Islamabad and Kabul should manage their relations through a pragmatic and deferential approach considering each other's challenges.

This involves mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty and an understanding of the diverse perspectives, according to them.

The experts said moving beyond stereotypical views in policy-making, coupled with effective media management, was crucial for reshaping perceptions and fostering a reimagined bilateral relationship at both governmental and public levels.

They highlighted that Pak-Afghan policy approaches needed to be shifted towards a more inclusive framework to address trust deficit, particularly in areas such as refugee policies, by developing a deeper understanding of the leadership mindsets in both countries and incorporating this understanding into policy formulations.

According to the experts, a restructured approach that leverages institutional knowledge and normalises discourse on bilateral issues is essential for long-term stability. Additionally, there is a need for internal stability in both countries.

They advocated for the shifting from a military-centric to a human-centric development approach, particularly in border areas, as a means of enhancing inner strength and maintaining security more effectively, aligning with broader strategic objectives. Mr Khalid Rahman called for self-assessment in the policy areas of both countries and noted that while improvements were necessary, it was equally important to recognise the complexity introduced by geopolitical shifts in regional dynamics.

“Fostering effective dialogue and gaining a comprehensive understanding of these complexities are crucial for advancing Pak-Afghan relations in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape,” he said.