Border tensions are running high between Pakistan and Afghanistan with a continued spate of violence emanating from the Afghan side. The firing of around twenty mortar shells by Afghanistan into the Pakistani territory that landed near Angoor Adda and Zobha Pahaar areas despite signing of cross-border agreements between both the countries indicates how deep the mistrust has become. That no casualty was reported was nothing short of a miracle given the extent of damage done by previous such attacks.
Despite notifying the Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at least 52 times, no tangible action has been taken. Hundreds of Pakistani security personnel and border forces have been killed during the border-attacks that add to the already soaring figures of casualty rate of the Pakistani security forces. What is alarming in the situation is the fact that the militants are being backed, albeit tacitly by the NATO and allied troops as they have been given a free rein to launch such incursions into Pakistan.
The intact sanctuaries in Kunar, Nuristan and adjacent areas near the Pakistani borders are among the strongest shelters the terrorist have established for themselves so far. It would not be wrong to claim that they pose a greater threat to peace in South Asia with an across the border extended reach. Housing key militants such as Maulana Fazlullah, Faqeer Muhammad, Abdul Wali, Hakeemullah and many more, operations against them ought to have been launched before embarking on the impossible task of reconciliation.
Furthermore, the actions taken by the Afghan government by banning Pakistani newspapers speaks volume of the animosity that it harbours for Pakistan. The accusations made by the Afghans regarding Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism campaign holds no weight whatsoever. That the delegation of the High Peace Council visiting Pakistan has been fully entertained by the Pakistanis who have released more than a dozen Afghan Taliban to aid the peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban, clearly shows that Pakistan is still committed to bring peace into the region. It’s time that the others also realised the fact.
