Return of Gulbadin Hekmatyar to Kabul after a period of around 21 years likely to multiply miseries for no other than President Ashraf Ghani and other pioneers of the existing politico-democratic system, established according to Bonn Accord, December 2001.
In his first ever speech before high-level dignitaries at the Presidential Palace Kabul, Hekmayar though called on Taliban to stop fighting/resistance but at the same time he rejected the existing system, saying, “I will move a resolution regarding enforcement of Islamic system in next Loya Jirga.” Hekmatyar has always claimed that his struggle was for an Islamic system in Afghanistan. Similarly he also opposed the national unity government, suggesting one of Ghani and Dr Abdullah to resign, enabling an end to parallel set up in war devastated country.
Likewise, Herkmatyar who is on top of hardline Afghan resistance leaders has not only denounced the US influence in Afghanistan but at the same time he attributed all sort of Afghan’s problems to external interference. Besides asking for an end to foreign interference, Hekmatyar has also urged Pakistan and Iran to halt meddling in internal affairs of Afghanistan. Through such remarks, Hekmatyar likely to earn hearts of war affected Afghans but no one is sure that is it possible for Hekmatyar to make unhappy his Pakistani patrons and like-minded colleagues who now placing both India and Afghanistan in the same row.
Whatever was Hekmatyar’s stance and location during the last 17 years (since collapse of Taliban regime in November 2001), he ensured his influence in the Afghan set up through splinted individuals who remain on key positions in Hizbe Islami Afghanistan. Besides others they are Engineer Waheedullah Sabowoon, Juma Khan Hamdrad, Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, Dr Farooq Wardan, Khalid Rashid, Haji Mangal Hussain, Mohammad Umar Daudzai and others. Even his deputies like Engineer Qutab-ud-Din Hilal and Dr Ghairat Baheer (who is also Hekmatyar’s son-in-law) remain in cordial relations with the Afghan government since its installation in December 2001.
Not only Hekmatyar but several other groups and factions are also unhappy with the existing presidential system in Kabul. And now Hekmatyar in the light of his external support/sympathies can build up pressure for the replacement of existing system by an Islamic one. Even, wide range majority are also unhappy with the so-called national unity government, which is in fact a “parallel set up,” whereas the winners and runner ups are engaged in strange-pulling for power and perks since the first day of third term installation. But at the same time, all those who favour peace, harmony and reconciliation, support it just to save the country of plunging into another era of internal hostilities and infighting. In such circumstances, there exist possibilities of further divisions in Afghan society which could be harmful to global peace in general and regional peace in particular.
In the meantime, Pakistan is not only silent but even carefully watching the situation. Hekmatyar might be the one but a powerful voice in Afghan society, backing Pakistan stance on the issue of Kashmir which could be harmful to no other than India. Compare to Pakistan, India is having too much influence in the existing set up in Afghanistan. But Hekmatyar’s return and induction in main stream of Afghan politics may be beneficial for Pakistan. Despite ups and downs, Hekmatyar and his relatives remain in cordial links with Pakistan.
Hekmatyar’s HIAG is belonging to family of Akhwan-u- Muslimeen, also called as Muslim brotherhood. Almost of Pakistan’s religious-politico forces believe in same ideologies and they follow civil-military establishment’s anti-Indian stance. Hekmatyar’s HIAG is in close links with Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan. Hekmatyar likely to deviate himself of those countrymen or fellow Afghan politicians who prefer India.
During the so-called Cold War, Hekmatyar was most favourite of Pakistan. He was charged or accredited for getting maximum of foreign funds, donated by US led allies for war against former Soviet Union
Before his appearance in Kabul, his aides have restored contacts and links with almost leading HIAG stalwarts throughout Afghanistan. And on such grounds, these HIAG stalwarts from all communal, lingual and localities have awarded a rousing welcome to Hekmatyar. This rousing welcome may be a warning or threat to several other Afghan leaders and politicians.