Pakistan can easily win hearts of Afghans

In the wake of recent deadly terrorist acts throughout Afghanistan, both, the leaders and common people, consider Pakistan being involved in these attacks.

The growing anger among Afghans is not only fuelling the tension between the neighbouring countries but it has also become the main barrier to Pakistan’s role in the peace process in Afghanistan.

During the last year, Afghan leaders had refused to meet their Pakistani counterparts. All the bilateral parlays were confined to handshakes or brief glimpses on the conferences at neutral venues.

Ironic, leaders from both Islamabad and Kabul agree that return of peace, an end to terrorism and strengthening of bilateral relations is equally beneficial to both countries, but none is able to take steps for achieving the goals.

War-torn Afghans allege that by making tall claims of “supporting and welcoming initiatives for the return of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan,” Pakistan is still hosting a large number of militants, mostly Afghans. These militants are involved in terrorist acts inside Afghanistan and enjoying sanctuary facilities in the border regions.  Pakistani authorities, on the other hand, allege that militants taking shelter in Afghanistan are responsible for terror acts in Pakistan, which occur from time to time.

Rulers or custodians from both sides are in a state of denial; both states lack writ in border regions which harbour terrorists from both sides; while, Pakistan also flaunts establishing rule of law in its tribal regions.

China’s offer to help in the resolution of Afghan conflict comes as a surprise for the Afghans. China has been endorsing Pakistan’s point of views on all regional and international issues. Most recently, China’s act of supporting Pakistan on the issue of alleged militant Maulana Masud Azhar took the world by surprise. Indian alleged Masud Azhar and his group’s involvement in recent uprising in Indian Occupied Kashmir. It is pertinent to mention that Masud Azhar, like some many other militants, also have a soft corner and links with Pakistan-based militants operating in Afghan territory—Tehrik Taliban Pakistan and Haqqani Network.

In recent past, the Afghan government had also asked China to convince Pakistan for re-visiting its policies in the context of Afghanistan. No one can deny the fact that Pakistan’s position is in doldrums due to increasing popularity of India in the region, as the Indian government took a major interest in reconstruction of Afghanistan and had also opened all of its doors for the Afghans. In particular, the Indian government announced handsome packages and reliefs for the Afghans in health and education sectors.

Given the complex geopolitical scenarios, Pakistan still holds a key postion in Afghanistan affairs but it is losing all opportunities due to its poor policies.

Instead of treating Afghanistan as its dependency, Pakistan needs to consider and even recognise its independent and sovereign neighbour. Instead of fuelling its people hardships and miseries, Pakistan must extend help to Afghans in resolving its both internal and external problems.

On the other hand, Pakistani authorities are cashing uncertain situation of Afghanistan by starting fencing of the Durand Line at different points—which has remained a controversial issue till today—without regard for the Afghanistan or people living along the border areas.

Pakistani rulers need to review all acts and actions regarding Afghanistan. Instead of pushing them to walls, Afghans could easily be made friends. Instead of giving chances to India, Iran and other countries, Pakistan is in better position of earning hearts of Afghans, which is also beneficial for Pakistan and its people.