Afghan reconciliation

The renewed cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan on a range of issues – especially terrorism – is a good sign. Coming after years of acrimony, the effort will certainly help cool temperatures on our western borders. Pakistan is acting maturely by taking all stakeholders – including the Northern Alliance – on board in an effort to foster durable peace in the region. In this context, contacts made by the Afghan government and the US with the Afghan Taliban are encouraging.
Afghanistan is an active fault line since the invasion of the Soviet Union and Pakistan, being an immediate neighbour, cannot ignore the emerging political developments there. Pakistan has to play its cards sensibly. Along with China, both the countries should try to act as facilitators between all stakeholders in Afghanistan. Anti-Pakistan forces like India will certainly not welcome this. Likewise, the US will most probably view any role played by China with suspicion. Pakistan should engage Afghanistan to reach an agreement on Durand Line and the safe return of Afghan refugees. By addressing these two issues, Pakistan can eradicate 90 percent of its terrorism.
Rehana Rafique
Naushera