ISLAMABAD: Panelists at a roundtable on Friday said an indiscriminate policy was needed to deal with terror elements, irrespective of their sectarian leaning, so that the state can assert its writ.

They also called for a more coordinated Afghan policy to address terror fissures on both sides of the divide, and to act against non-state actors.

The roundtable was hosted by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) to discuss the evolving geopolitical and security situation in the region. A holistic view was adopted by experts who dwelt at length on recent developments in the wake of intelligence-based operations in bordering areas of Paktia, and the backlash that was evident from Kabul.

It was noted that there was a consensus between Kabul and Islamabad to cooperate despite differences over a host of policy issues. The rise of IS-KP was recognised as a new monster in the terror nexus, capable of rupturing the prevailing security status quo. Likewise, the outlawed TTP is posing a grave existential crisis to not only peace in both Afghanistan and Pakistan but also has its ramifications beyond the region.

Experts note widening gulf between state and citizenry

The necessity of furthering political ownership was termed indispensable to restore serenity in the region. The concept of Jirga was underscored and it was argued that this valve should be exploited to create tribal pressure while paying heed to fact that it should be a continuous process.

The example of Bajaur wherein the state came into breed confidence of security among the masses is in need of being replicated. The peace deal struck in Parachinar was eulogised, and the experts said it was an outcome of Jirga’s reconciliatory efforts. They stressed conducting intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against terror targets, and stressed that it should be an integrated approach by taking civil and military intelligence sleuths.

They observed that sole reliance on kinetic measures had often proved to be counter-productive.

It was regretted that the erstwhile consultative process under the patronage of Jirga could not come full circle owing to politicisation of the security concerns.

The widening gulf between the citizenry and the state was noted, and it was resolved that rather than building one-sided narratives, a holistic process of accommodating views from the grassroots level should take precedence.

The issue of merging tribal districts was also discussed and it was noted that the 25th Amendment should be implemented in letter and spirit. Moreover, empowering the locals and bringing them at par with developed regions is a must to beat parochial tendencies.

The banned TTP, it was noted, was a transnational issue and corrective approach was needed to deal with it. Pakistan’s focus on Taliban dispensation was also highlighted, and the need was stressed for taking along other power poles in Afghanistan.

The roundtable was participated by former foreign minister Inamul Haque, Pakistan’s former special representative on Afghanistan Asif Durrani, President IPRI Raza Mohammad, Dr Raashid Wali Janjua, Imtiaz Gul, Sheheryar Khan, Israr Madni, Iftikhar Firdous and Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2025