Current US policy on Afghanistan requires further study: experts

Islamabad: The Riphah Institute of Public Policy held a seminar on ‘Emerging Scenarios in India-US Strategic Ties: Implications for Kashmir.’

The seminar was addressed by Ambassador (retd) Sarwar Naqvi, Dr. M. Khan (IIU), Dr. Waqas, HoD NUML, Ershad Ahmad (CPDR), Iltaf Wani HC, Shahraiz Khan, DG Foreign Office, Awais Wasi (Riphah) and Dr. Rashid Aftab, director Public Policy, Riphah University.

During the seminar, it was highlighted that the current US South Asian Policy required a thorough understanding of the US relations with India and Afghanistan and its impact on Pakistan. The new paradigm of US-India relationship and the US recent stance on Kashmir with respect to the Independence Movement and other dynamics require an in-depth analysis of the situation as well as a futuristic approach to address this regional conflict, which has an international obligation on the part of world community.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr M. Khan said India and Pakistan have fought three wars against each other since 1947, the first two of which were over Kashmir. The United States has played an increasingly assertive role in managing and resolving the issues between both countries and designs foreign policy goals in South Asia with respect to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan as well. After September 11, America is trying to maintain close ties to both countries but apparently enthused towards India due to strategically diplomacy in the region.

Shahraiz Khan, director Kashmir Foreign Office said Pak-US relations are always influenced by the US “South Asian Policy”. Starting from the era of the Cold War, when the US needed Pakistan to play a role against the spread of communism, it stood with Pakistan by providing it with military and economic support. And when US interests diverged with Pakistan, it adopted a different approach. Now, under the Trump administration, the US policy towards Pakistan is being influenced US relations with China & US Relations with India.

Iltaf Wani, from HC said India may use its leverage on the US against Pakistan in the context of India’s allegations of terrorism across the border. If India exploits its leverage on the US, it implies that India would work on ‘isolating’ Pakistan by spreading a narrative that Pakistan supports anti-India elements within the country that is disturbing the regional peace.

Dr. Rashid Aftab said the Indian narrative against Pakistan holds no truth. Pakistan has successfully managed to defeat the terrorists.  

However, India US countries expressed to expand and deepen the strategic partnership for peace and stability in the region may impact Kashmir dispute. The event was largely attended by the representatives from international relations expert, policy centres, academicians & civil society.