Fighting a common enemy

Finally, the US has ended its war in Afghanistan. But it intends to keep taking interest in the country’s security issues, fearing that after the withdrawal of the coalition troops from the region, the turf war between Pakistan, Iran and India will jeopardise peace in Afghanistan, which needs the support of its neighbours to fight terrorists and for the continuity of democracy and stability of its economy. Pakistan and Iran can play an important role in post-Nato Afghanistan. Pakistan wields influence over the Pakhtun-dominated areas of southern Afghanistan while Iran over Tajik and Uzbek populated areas in western Afghanistan. But Pakistan-Iran relations are patchy. Without first sorting out their border issues, Pakistan and Iran cannot work together in Afghanistan.
Ashraf Ghani wants to bolster Afghan security and defence ties with Pakistan – including cooperation in training the security personnel and border management. Improved relations with Afghanistan will help Pakistan defeat the Taliban and those terrorist organisations that have taken shelter in the Afghan territory. Such efforts by the civilian and military leadership of Pakistan and Afghanistan will help bring about stability in both countries.
Muhammad Ali
Wah Cantt