Dilemma of Afghan peace process

Experts have a unanimous view that the "dialogue process” between the Afghan government and Afghan Taliban is the only way forward and key to the resolution of Afghan situation. It is the only way to give peace a chance in Afghanistan. The elements opposed to a peaceful Afghanistan have always attempted to hinder every positive outcome of the Pak-Afghan engagement by exploiting proxies to carry out terrorism either on the Afghan soil or in Pakistan.

The Afghan government has failed to even contact independently the Taliban's leadership or any influential appointment holder of their movement. There is a huge trust deficit between the two entities. Taliban don't trust anymore the Afghan government and believe that they are illegitimate and puppet government, having no say or decision power. Besides, earlier, the Afghan government was sending mixed and confused but steady signals that Afghanistan did not require the help or facilitation of Pakistan to bring the Taliban on the negotiating table. But the Afghan government is convinced that they along with the help of foreign troops' assistance cannot defeat the Taliban and they have to find peaceful means to entice the Taliban for any substantial negotiating for achieving the long-desired peace and stability. Astonishingly, Taliban maintained the stance of not talking to the Afghan government during the recent row of peace negotiations with the representatives of the US government in Qatar.

Experts firmly believe that the peace process with the aim of reconciliation with Taliban is the only way forward for the solution of Afghan crisis. Although, some experts differ with the issue with the view that empowering the warlords could be beneficial for certain warlord groups, but the reality or key for success is based on the fact that every Afghan needs to be treated justly and equally, irrespective of his or her ethnicity or religious beliefs. Besides the traditional set-ups, historical legends, traditional norms and culture should be structured and implemented to root it down again in Afghan culture. It would enable every Afghan to be proud and having firm believe about the dealings by their elders or leaders.

Unfortunately, carving the "out-of-the-box" solutions in Afghanistan have not so far worked, it needs something present very much in the box; outside the box is curiosity, disbelief, uncertainty, and lot of diversions. Its probably high time that Afghans, their traditions and culture which is broadly covered under "Pukhtoonwali" should be respected to regain the intended peace and harmony in Afghanistan. As far as regional and international countries are concerned, they have to come forward more briskly than international countries, because of genuine stakes and immediate emerging threats and its negative impacts in the region, which could ignite a chain reaction encircling the whole region. The Afghans also need to carve a way for achieving their destiny by playing their fair and due role in the international community.

The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan also provided ample opportunities to the agenda of hostile elements while continuing with their nefarious and sinister activities. These have been fueling the proxy war phenomenon as a popular business in the region. Pakistan is sincerely committed to playing a positive role and creating a facilitating atmosphere for the peace dialogues. Pakistan has already committed herself and no irritant can deter Pakistan from endeavoring for a peaceful Afghanistan. Experts are of the opinion that Indian influence has almost seeped down to the grassroots level in Afghan government, political and diplomatic circles which has inculcated unimaginable negativity affecting almost every major decision of the Afghan government. In this context, India has appeared as the only spoiler in Afghanistan, which is exploiting TTP, ISIS, ETIM, etc, against Pakistan and China. Sinister activities of India in the Afghan chessboard have been authenticated and confirmed by the statement of Charles Timothy Hagel, former US defense secretary. Besides, the Indian nexus with TTP leaders like Hakimullah Mahsud and revelation of Latifullah Mahsud, Mulla Fazalullah and APS incident, exploitation of Baloch sub nationalists, Ajeet Doval’s offensive-defensive doctrine, anti-Pakistan statements of Indian/BJP leadership are the broad day confessions of the ongoing sinister schemes against Pakistan.

The increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan was also viewed negatively by forces waging proxies in the region. They try to scuttle every such effort by upscaling the proxy propelled terrorist activities in both countries. The damaging trend of violence and security failures in Afghanistan offer ample potential to derail the ongoing initiatives of fostering good relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan has always desired for peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and endeavored to foster friendly, cooperative and progressing relations. Through diplomatic, political and military channels, Pakistan has been reiterating the same with usual vigor, esteem, hope and full of commitment. Pakistan has also exhibited diplomatic magnanimity over any disheartening response from Afghanistan. In the presence of the prevailing negativity, the Pakistan government needs to be careful against the efforts being made by the anti-Pakistan elements and her adversaries to disrupt the ongoing good relations between the two brotherly countries.