- The proof of the pudding is in the eating
A lot of ground work combined with toing and froing has taken place during the last three months to improve Pak-Afghan relations. Part of the activity comprised trilateral and multilateral initiatives while a lot more was bilateral. So large is the backlog of doubts and suspicions inherited from 1947 onwards, with considerable additions since 1980, that it would take time to cleanse the memory chip and reboot. There are unresolved issues like that of Afghan refugees and the construction of barriers along the disputed Durand Line which continue to cast a shadow over relations. What creates further complications are regional and international rivalries in the war torn Afghanistan and the presence of powerful interest groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan that are part of the problem. Whenever a deadly attack takes place in either country, it invariably leads to the initiation of a blame game.
The agreement as reported by the Afghan media caters to Pakistan’s concerns about the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan by groups like the TTP and IS on the one hand and India on the other. As a reciprocal measure Pakistan will deny the use of its territory to networks, groups or individuals for anti state activities inside Afghanistan. A confirmation mechanism to ensure that promises made are being fulfilled has been incorporated in the declaration. One of the points is aimed at putting an end to the public blame game. Delegations of Afghanistan and Pakistan will prepare a timeline and mechanism for the return of Afghan refugees to the country.
An early meeting of the Joint Economic Commission would take forward the planning and implementation of key rail road, gas pipeline and energy projects that would integrate Pakistan and Afghanistan with Central Asia. Similarly the rail-cum-road infrastructure to connect Pakistan and Afghanistan and both with Central Asia to let all access seaports of Gwadar and Karachi would create interdependence and promote peace.
A good beginning on paper, no doubt. What is required to give the plans practical shape are more actions that promote mutual confidence.
