Pakistan and Central Asia in the post-Afghan war scenario

Speakers at a seminar organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Hans Seidel Foundation (HSF), on the topic “Pakistan and Central Asia in the post-Afghan war scenario: Compulsions and opportunities” stressed the need to stimulate dialogue and for clear and correct communication between the direct and indirect stakeholders in the Afghanistan war in order to bring peace and stability to the region.
People from various walks of life attended the seminar, which was held at the ISSI. The speakers said weak interpretations and incorrect perceptions were leading to poor policies.
Zentrum Moderner Orient Berlin Senior Fellow Dr Dietrich Reetz, who was also the chief guest on the occasion, said that after 9/11, we found another shift in the regional scenario and that required stimulating dialogue for clear and correct communication. “Indeed, there is a gap of communication among key direct and indirect stakeholders in the war and hence weak interpretations and incorrect perceptions that lead to poor policies,” said Dr Reetz.
His presentation on the topic therefore covered facts and future compulsions and opportunities for key regional countries and how they affected Pakistan, since the inevitability and imminence of withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan necessitated a clear understanding.
He said that as the endgame to the war approached, one consequence that was being speculated was Pakistan’s unwillingness to make further concessions to the United States as it deliberated upon its future role in a post-war scenario. Fallout of the announced withdrawal was the likelihood of insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan holding out to ensure that they were in a position of power from where they could negotiate on their own terms, he added.
For instance, he said, the nature of the conflict was tribal and related to how certain regions of the country had been marginalised from the development and political processes over many years. Clear offers and benefits in development and participation were required in order to erode popular support for insurgents in such regions, he suggested.
Earlier, introducing the subject, ISSI Director General (DG) Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi said that it was essential for Central Asian countries to establish their future roles as the world approached the endgame in Afghanistan. He also pointed out its relevance and importance in the current circumstances. He said that a new game seemed to be emerging as rival countries scrambled for control over Central Asian resources. He said for Pakistan, the future direction would also be determined by its evolving ties with India.