Both sides must make necessary preparations
Afghanistan faces multiple challenges after the departure of foreign troops, Developments in Afghanistan, both positive and negative, would also have repercussions for Pakistan. This explains why Sartaj Aziz and COAS Raheel Sharif have visited Kabul within less than three weeks. While Aziz talked about PM’s keenness to build a comprehensive and enduring partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan and extended invitation to Ashraf Ghani to visit Islamabad, Gen Raheel Sharif had concrete offers to make that included training facilities to Afghan security forces in Pakistan’s military institutions and weapons for an infantry brigade.
That the first foreign destination of the newly elected president was Beijing indicates the priorities of the administration. Kabul needs foreign investments and assistance in dealing with the security vacuum that would have to be faced by Kabul in days to come. While developing its infrastructure Afghanistan will have to import necessary material, labour and engineers. Pakistan being a next door neighbour both countries can benefit from mutual cooperation.
There is a gulf of suspicions and misunderstandings that will have to be bridged before genuine friendly relations are established between the two neighbours. This is not going to be an easy task. Afghans are a proud nation and resent being patronised, let alone treated as protégés or pressurised. Pakistan needs to facilitate trade, promote people to people relations and make liberal offers to Afghan youth to study in Pakistani universities. Most of all it must treat the Afghans as equal partners. One is not sure if those in power are really capable of dealing with the new government in Kabul with the required sensitivity.
President Ghani has promised to visit Pakistan soon. To make the visit meaningful the two sides need to make necessary preparations. Outstanding disputes need to be resolved and avenues of cooperation spelled out. Among the priorities should be an understanding to jointly take out the terrorists operating from the two sides of the Durand Line.
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