Working together against terror

Despite the return of terrorism to the country, Pakistan has taken the high road and shown goodwill towards its traditionally hostile neighbors. With many fingers pointed at Afghan and Indian involvement in the recent spate of terrorism in the country, on Thursday Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif once again encouraged regional cooperation towards eliminating terrorism. Pointing out correctly that he had not contested for elections on an anti-India agenda, Sharif insisted Pakistan desires peace with all its neighbours, including India. The PM also emphasized the importance of the restoration of trade with India. On Afghanistan, Sharif said that the stability of the two countries was interlinked. A day later, the prime minister even offered the possibility of a Kabul-Peshawar motorway. Whatever the complications of making it a reality, this could be another way for the two countries to cement their relationship through trade and movement. Both Nawaz Sharif and COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa have made it clear that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with India and Afghanistan – provided their soil is not used to instigate terrorism against Pakistan.

The hope and goodwill expressed from the Pakistani side can only go as far, though. It will need to be met with similar sentiments across the border. While there have been some overtures from Afghanistan – accepting a list of terrorists in the country while presenting one of its own – there has been little from India beyond a birthday wish to suggest that the Modi government is ready to change its tone on Pakistan and work together. It is easily forgotten that when the Pathankot attack happened in January 2016, Pakistan and India launched a joint investigation. The limit to its effectiveness aside, there was a genuine attempt to move forward, instead of looking at each other with suspicion. Things have changed since then, especially after Kashmir became a boiling point again. But there is still hope that tensions with India can be reduced. It goes to the credit of the government and security forces that they have continued to talk about reconciliation despite attempts by right-wing elements to turn things murky. Now, it is up to Afghanistan and India to respond in a positive manner. Each country has its own internal issues to deal with – and Pakistan provides an easy scapegoat. However, any leadership hoping to solve the problem of terrorism cannot think this can be done without all three countries being on one page. Peace and stability cannot be a one-sided thing. The ball is now in their court.