Talks with Afghanistan

 What is required is flexibility and diplomatic finesse

The way to Pak-Afghan reconciliation is heavily mined. There are historical roadblocks like the Durand Line and the presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Pak-Afghan peace process has been frequently taken hostage by terrorist networks. After initial steps are taken to improve ties, there comes a big terrorist attack either in Afghanistan or Pakistan leading to sudden worsening of relations. Another factor that has contributed to the impairment of relations is the Indian lobby in the Afghan administration and the elements on Pakistan side like the Haqqanis, as belatedly admitted by Kh Asif. India’s hobnobbing with terrorist networks in Afghanistan is an added irritant.

The emergence of an unpredictable President Trump on the scene has however caused concern to both countries leading to a fresh attempt to mend the fences.

Last month the National Security Committee resolved to ‘work at all levels’ with the people and the government of Afghanistan to remove all ‘irritants’. Afghan ambassador called on the COAS twice. A seven member Afghan military delegation met corps commander Peshawar. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Kabul where she held delegation level talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai and called on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Early this week China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Practical Cooperation Dialogue concluded in Kabul. Pak-Afghan ties was on the National Security Committee’s agenda on Friday.

Speaking at UNGA President Ghani invited Pakistan to engage with Kabul on a comprehensive state to state dialogue on peace, security and regional cooperation. The relations between the two countries being a political issue, it is natural to expect that PM Abbasi would proceed to hold talks with his Afghan counterpart. If needed he could ask the COAS to accompany him as Nawaz Sharif had done. According to media reports however COAS Bajwa would visit Kabul in the next few days. With armed forces having acquired a large say in issues related to Afghanistan and India, they bear a great responsibility when they decide to handle diplomatic affairs. The least one expects is that the ongoing talks would not abort on account of some terrorist incident or misunderstanding.