And the need to start working together
The swearing in of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as President of Afghanistan and head of the unity government provides a historic opportunity to both Pakistan and Afghanistan to recast their relations in a more friendly mould. The inauguration was attended by President Mamnoon Hussain who extended invitation to his Afghan counterpart to visit Islamabad. Pushtun leaders belonging to four different parties of Pakistan were also in the front row of the guests which indicates the close ties between the people of the two countries. The fact that relations have remained bitter for much of the time during the last many years is a matter for the two countries to ponder upon.
The neighbours stand a lot to gain from improvement in ties. Among other things this is needed to root out terrorism. The terrorists cross over to the other side of the border whenever they are pursued by the army of either of the two neighbours. This underlines the need for a coordinated action to eliminate the terrorist networks. What have stood in the way are mutual suspicions.
Pakistan and Afghanistan stand to benefit from an enhanced security in the region. They are signatories to two major gas and power projects, the TAPI and CASA-100. The projects cannot mature as long as terrorist networks are active in the areas through which the pipeline and the power transmission lines are to pass. What is urgently needed is serious confidence building measures between the two countries.
For most of the time elected governments in Pakistan were not allowed to formulate the Afghan policy. The ill-conceived notion of seeking strategic depth in Afghanistan was naturally resented by Kabul. The complaints by Kabul about allowing terrorist groups safe havens in NWA from where they launched attacks inside Afghanistan continued to be ignored for years. That the Karzai government subsequently provided bases to terrorist groups from Pakistan, was equally harmful. It is time both sides agreed on genuine mutual cooperation that should also include a coordinated struggle against terrorist groups.
We cannot over emphasize the importance of shared cooperation between the regional partners. To say the least, we cannot have a safe a secure region without a safe and secure Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our governments are well aware of the fact that our common enemies would love to see us part ways for the sake of gaining advantage. Therefore, we realize the importance of staying united and overcoming any differences for the sake of achieving our shared peace objectives in the region. We congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the signing of the BSA, and share what the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Loyd J. Austin III, said on the successful transition of power in Afghanistan:
"I want to congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the historic, peaceful transfer of power that occurred yesterday with the inauguration of President Ashraf Ghani. He and Mr. Abdullah, the new chief executive, are to be commended for their cooperation and shared demonstrated commitment to their country and their fellow citizens.
Indeed, there is still difficult work to be done, and particularly with respect to the formation of the national unity government. However, I am hopeful that the leadership will do the right things going forward. And, certainly today's signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement between the governments of the United States and Afghanistan signaled progress. This pact paves the way for further cooperation and close collaboration between our countries.
Our partnership is an important one, and as we prepare to transition to a traditional security cooperation mission in the coming years, we remain committed to providing the necessary support to our Afghan partners and, in particular, to their national security forces. They have come a long way and are doing an outstanding job taking the fight to the enemy and defending their sovereignty. I am confident that all Afghans will continue to do what is required to seize this historic opportunity and to keep their country safe."
Ali Khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
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