Afghan policy flux

Published September 17, 2024

AS the nation confronts a major militancy problem in the midst of poor ties with Kabul, there is a dire need to revisit Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy.

A major sign that things are awry where the Afghan file is concerned emerged in the shape of the recent resignation of Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan. Mr Durrani was reporting to the military, yet there was seemingly some discord over how to handle the Afghan file, as the powers that be were supposedly unhappy with his performance, and Mr Durrani might have been perturbed by the fact that his advice was not being heeded.

Among the points of contention was the mass expulsion of Afghans; Mr Durrani was not in favour of this. He also thought that Pakistan needed to focus on managing terrorism domestically, as the Afghan Taliban were unlikely to cut their ties with the banned TTP.

Along with Mr Durrani’s resignation, there was also an uproar over KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s stated intent to hold direct talks with the Afghan Taliban. It should be remembered that the conduct of foreign relations is the centre’s domain. The provinces must give their input, but bypassing the centre is an unsound course of action.

Ever since the Taliban takeover of Kabul, Pakistan has struggled to come up with a coherent Afghan policy that sufficiently addresses its concerns about terrorism, and at the same time outlines a roadmap to improve ties with Afghanistan. Pak-Afghan ties should not be seen solely from the security and militancy lens; there are many other factors affecting this relationship, including economics, geopolitics and humanitarian concerns.

A wider debate is needed to frame a workable Afghan policy, and no particular state institution should have the sole discretion to formulate and execute this policy. There needs to be input from parliament, the Foreign Office and area experts. A fresh approach is needed, where Pakistan’s security is prioritised, and a decision taken to improve ties with Kabul. Of course, the Afghan Taliban also need to respond in kind; the biggest confidence-building measure can come in the form of Kabul ensuring an end to cross-border terrorism.

Moreover, the concerns raised by Mr Durrani cannot be brushed aside, particularly where humane repatriation of Afghans is concerned; neither can the need for Pakistan to prevent militants from ensconcing themselves on our soil.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2024

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...