ISLAMABAD
The British diplomats in Pakistan and Afghanistan hope that peace will return to the region as a result of the government and Taliban talks, making the Afghan forces capable of handling the situation after pullout of US-led allied troops.
“Taliban militants in Pakistan are engaged in dialogues with government whereas across the border in Afghanistan, they are divided and seem left with no option except joining the political process,” said Sir Richard Stagg, British envoy in Kabul.
Whereas Philip Barton, British high commissioner in Islamabad, not only showed satisfaction over the government’s policies to curb terrorism, but also towards Afghanistan. Both the envoys were addressing a video-link press conference from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
At the very outset of over one-hour long chat with media from both the countries, Barton and Stagg said, “Both Pakistan and Afghanistan suffered a lot due to terrorism and extremism but its people facing identical economic, administrative, socio-politico and religious extremism issues.” On such grounds, both the envoys insisted on maximum cooperation and understanding among leadership of both the countries.
Barton while expressing satisfaction over Nawaz government’s policies, said “Premier Sharif soon after assuming office had visited Kabul and held detail meetings with President Karzai. Similarly both the leaders have held frequent meetings.”
He said Nawaz had made assurances of extending maximum help in return of peace and stability in Afghanistan as according to him (Nawaz) “peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in interests of Pakistan”.
To a question, Stagg averted the impression of “emerging 90-like situation in Afghanistan with pullout of US led allied troops.” He said there existed wide-range differences in present and previous Afghanistan. “In 90, former Soviet Union had disconnected financial, political and logistic support to Afghanistan. At that time, Afghans were divided and that country was lacking a centralized system. But now the global community has assured continuation of financial, logistic, diplomatic and political support to Afghanistan. There exists a centralized system and authority in Afghanistan.”
He said that now almost Afghan youths are educated and they are fed up of war and hostilities in their motherland. These youths have witnessed a developed but a peaceful world, he said.
On Such grounds now it could be hard for anyone to derail peace, political process and development. He also said that there existed unity and consensus among the Afghans about issues like terrorism, militancy and economic hardships.
To another question, British envoy to Kabul said, “The Hizbe Islami Afghanistan of Engineer Gulbadin Hekmatyar is not only divided, but its main faction is fielding Engineer Qutabuddin Hilal in presidential polls. Similar is position of Taliban who are also divided.”
He also reminded that resistance was against foreign troops and President Karzai, therefore after presidential polls and pullout of allied troops, there would be no more justification for armed resistance.
Regarding Bilateral Security Agreement, the envoy said, “Karzai has out rightly declared that he will not sign it but we are hopeful that anyone who wins presidential polls will sign the BSA.”
He said that through BSA, the global community would be determined to continue financial help with Afghanistan in according to Chicago and Tokyo conferences. In both the conferences, the global community has pledged a huge amount of RS 4 billion for Afghanistan after pullout of US-led troops.
About foreign interference in ongoing election process, especially from neighbouring countries, the British diplomat expressed his ignorance. However, he said, “President Karzai has assured that coming elections will be free and fair and no one will influence it.”