The dangers of losing track
Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan had a setback after terrorist attacks in Kabul last month that took the lives of at least 50 people in one day. These led President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah to publicly accuse Pakistan of sheltering and arming the Haqqani Network for attacks in their country. Pakistan’s denials have failed to convince not only Kabul but also Washington. Last week, while meeting with Pakistan’s political and military leadership, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice spelt out the steps Washington expected Pakistan to take for dealing with the Haqqani Network. Soon afterwards Dr Peter Lavoy, Assistant to President Obama, met COAS Raheel Sharif at GHQ. As he was accompanied by the US ambassadors to Pakistan and Afghanistan, it was expected that Pak-Afghan relations were the main subject of talks. The outcome of the visit by Sartaj Aziz to Kabul would show if there was any breakthrough during the talks at GHQ.
Sartaj Aziz is visiting Kabul at a time when hostility against Pakistan has once again peaked in Afghanistan. Besides the statements against Pakistan from government leaders, the latest from Vice President Dostum who has called Pakistan an enemy country, there is graffiti on Kabul walls against Pakistan while the staff at the Pakistan embassy has to conduct its duties in the midst of harassment. Aziz has been assigned the task to propose to Kabul to stop anti-Pakistan statements and return to talks with the Afghan Taliban.
There is a need to remove the suspicions entertained by Kabul. Pakistan stands to lose a lot in case it fails to convince Washington and Kabul that it is not backing the Haqqani Network. Among the crucial matters at stake is the peace in the region that requires an understanding and harmony between the neighbouring countries. Also at stake is the CSF. Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Washington is still to be confirmed. Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani needs to realise the dangers of playing in the hands of the irrational anti-Pakistan lobby in Kabul.
