Hope lives for better Pak-Afghan ties

Karachi
Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have largely been influenced by mutual mistrust devised through an Indian-centric prism. But after 13 years, the recently elected governments in both countries have been working to improve bilateral ties and restore some semblance of peace in the region.
These views were expressed by participants in a consultation titled, ‘Resetting Pak-Afghan Relations: Quest for Regional Peace and Stability’, organised by the Pakistan Peace Coalition and the Center for Social Change on Friday. In her talk, Dr Huma Baqai, head of the social sciences department at the Institute of Business Administration, focused on the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship with Afghanistan and, in this context, appreciated the initiatives of the newly-elected Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani. “Despite the criticism he has been facing at home for his efforts to initiate dialogue with Pakistan, Ghani continues to look for ways to improve relations between the neighbours,” she said.
“Ghani understands that lasting peace in Afghanistan simply cannot be achieved without support from Pakistan, as that will also take India out of the equation. And, we are seeing that the new Afghan government is actually working on these lines. ”
“Both countries have realised that the past 13 years are no more than a lost decade; they have only brought destruction to the region.”
Dr Ijaz Khan, former head of international relations at Peshawar University, identified the December 16 attack in Peshawar as a catalyst for change not only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but around the western world.
However, he was critical of Pakistan’s continued reluctance in abandoning its ‘good and bad Taliban’ policy, stating that it would keep adversely affecting Pak-Afghan dynamics. Aimal Khan, an Islamabad-based civil society activist, said that banning cross-border media was increasing mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Fahmida Riaz, a prominent Urdu writer and poet, discussed the Durand Line issue and its impact on relations between the two countries. Dr Tausif Ahmed Khan, Zulfiqar Halepota, Majyd Aziz, Syed Raza Shah and Javed Qazi also spoke.