Salahuddin Rabbani, Chairman of the High Peace Council has said there can be no military solution to the process, to the problems of Afghanistan and the people want peace and we will mobilize.
Talking at the anniversary of his slain father Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani who was killed by a Taliban turban bomber, last the same day, he hoped the efforts of Peace Council to negotiate with Taliban will make positive outcomes and militants will eventually come to table for talks.
He reiterated that Pakistan is an important player in the process of reconciliation with the Taliban. "If Pakistan decides to help us, they are in much better position to support the peace process."
Despite the claims, there seems to be no real development after two years of Kabul's efforts to persuade Islamabad for a full-fledged engagement and support in the negotiation efforts with Taliban. Although, Pakistan never denied a cordial support to the enduring peace process in Afghanistan.
His recent visit to Islamabad was cancelled due to the clash on pak-Afghan borders. While the atmosphere of discontent countrywide on the cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces remains high, it seems Rabbani is ready to make the trip soon, which is again a good gesture by the Rabbani, the junior.
But the issue of border shelling has brought the trust and confidence atmosphere between Kabul and Islamabad to the lowest level. In such an environment of distrust, is there still hope for a successful trip of Salahuddin Rabbani to Pakistan?
Without a homework and prior development in this regard, a visit to Islamabad will not be more than a formality. He will repeat the same demand to Pakistan to encourage Taliban leadership to join the reconciliation process, something that has been Kabul's demand for last several years.
Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, the Pakistan Foreign Minister was offended when such questions were asked regarding the presence of Quetta Shura in Pakistan. They out rightly deny any influence with Taliban leadership and reject claims of their safe havens in Pakistan, but at the same time claim credit for 'allowing' Taliban representatives who have been traveling to Gulf states in recent months for talking with US officials, or participating in Paris and Tokyo meetings.
Reviewing the peace efforts after one year since assassination of Professor Buhranuddin Rabbani, the process has not gone an inch ahead, rather militants have grown more confident, and grave issues such as the insider "green-on-blue" attacks has become the issue of serious concern.