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Afghan-Pak Tension Resurfaces

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Afghan-Pak Tension Resurfaces

 A sense of mistrust has resurfaced between Kabul and Islamabad following the heavy attacks in Shah Shaheed on Friday, August 07, 2015. Addressing a press conference on Monday, President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani said that Shah Shaheed bombing in Kabul, which led to the deaths of dozens and injuries of hundreds, was unacceptable and that it was a game changer for the country. “Pakistan still remains the venue and ground for gatherings from which mercenaries send us a message of war,” Ghani declared. He further said that at the time that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the enemies of Afghanistan are the enemies of Pakistan, “now the time has come for him to prove it.”

Similarly, Afghan Chief Executive of the National Unity Government (NUG), Abdullah Abdullah pointed out the same issue claimed by Pakistani officials. He doubted the Pakistan’s sincerity in furthering to stabilize Afghanistan – since the practices go against the preaching. Moreover, NDS spokesman Haseeb Sediqi alleged that the armed militants are trained in Pakistan and they are as pawns used in Pakistan’s proxy war against Afghanistan. “Pakistan promised us that it will not allow Taliban to hold gatherings in their country but we see these gatherings are actually happening,” he maintained.

As terrorists take responsibility after broad daylight attacks on Afghan soil, no limitations have been imposed on their activities and they continue their shameless attacks, CEO Dr. Abdullah said, calling for a review of peace talks with the Taliban following the attacks in Kabul.

The Taliban are stepping up their summer offensive, launched in late April, amid a bitter leadership dispute following the announcement of the death of longtime supremo Mullah Omar. A wave of bombings since the deadly Friday’s attack in the capital Kabul has prompted fury from President Ashraf Ghani who blamed Pakistan for failing to rein in the Taliban.

The footprints of the Pakistani Taliban – who are widely involved in terrorist acts – are frequently seen in Afghanistan. As a result, it was reported earlier that a series of US drone strikes in Afghanistan have killed large groups of militants belong to the self-styled Islamic State, some high-ranking Pakistani fighters formerly associated with the banned TTP were among the casualties. Reports quoted NDS, the Afghan intelligence agency, that Hafiz Saeed Khan, the head of IS in “Khorasan”, as the Pakistan-Afghanistan region has been dubbed by the so-called caliphate, was among 30 fighters killed in Nangarhar province.

Moreover, the Taliban officials hold meeting in Pakistan freely to settle their conflict over the succession of Mullah Omar. Afghan officials blame Pakistan for brokering agreement between the Taliban’s warring parties rather than combating and dislodging them. The Taliban, who organize attack against the Afghanistan from across the border, Afghan politicians believe, should not be brought to a single point by Pakistan.

Pakistan’s indirect involvement in terrorist acts especially in Friday’s bombing, as declared by Afghan officials and NDS, has raised public concerns. Afghan Ulema Council also gave acrimonious speeches against Pakistan and warned that if she persists in her support to the Taliban militants to target Afghan civilians, they will declare jihad as the last resort and react violently against violence and vice versa.

In spite of the growing mistrust, Pakistan vowed to continue joint efforts to combat terrorism on Thursday meeting – which was held between the visiting Afghan peace delegation and adviser to the Pakistani Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on the revival of suspended talks with the Taliban.

Aziz is said to reiterate Pakistan’s condemnation of recent terror attacks in Kabul. He said that Pakistan was committed to building a constructive and forward-looking relationship with Afghanistan, adding that they were ready to work with Afghanistan in overcoming all challenges. He further said that the two countries should have trust and faith in each other and discourage spoilers and detractors who have been trying to create mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani also reaffirmed Afghanistan’s desire to work closely with Pakistan to enhance mutual cooperation in all areas of common interest. He concurred with the imperative of common endeavors for countering terrorism and for enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

Notwithstanding the revised commitments, political pundits are not much hopeful about the conclusion – reasoning that Pakistan has not acted upon their vows in the past. According to them, former President Hamid Karzai failed to obtain Islamabad’s support in counter-terrorism within the last decade in the face of frequent visits to Pakistan. Yet there is doubt whether the Afghan National Unity Government’s leaders achieve Islamabad’s sincere cooperation.

It is believed that political tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan is detrimental to security situation within both the countries. Therefore, Afghan-Pak officials have to bury the hatchet and bridge the gap as soon as possible. It must be noted that the thick smoke of fire and explosion in Afghanistan will harm Pakistan’s eye too – neighbors do have common pros and cons. Hence, it is hoped that Pakistan officials will fulfill their commitments and prove their sincere intention regarding the war-weary Afghans. Indeed, “now the time has come … to prove it.” The passage of time will reveal the outcome of Thursday’s meeting and Islamabad’s commitment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hujjattullah Zia is the permanent writer of the Daily Outlook Afghanistan. He can be reached at zia_hujjat@yahoo.com

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