Recent developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Perspective
US president Joe Biden has already announced the deadline for the drawdown of US forces from Afghanistan before 11 September on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. It is quite before the deadline that most of the American troops have left Afghan soil, on the other hand, violence in Afghanistan is also increasing day by day. The US has already evacuated the largest Bagram Air Base while handing it over to Afghan authorities.
Violence and the civil war in Afghanistan are not in the interest of Pakistan, as it is a major concern for Pakistan that will have serious impacts on Pakistan. It is an open secret now that Pakistan has shifted its Policy from geo-politics to geo-economic. It was categorically stated by Pakistan's Foreign Minister and National Security Adviser on different occasions.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan envisions a consistent approach towards Afghanistan that no military solution can bring peace in Afghanistan. That's why he categorically stated that Pakistan would become part of peace only instead of conflicts. Pakistan also has rejected the US demand for a military base in Pakistan to conduct counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan.
The second phase of the Afghan peace process if succeeded will be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. Peaceful settlement in Afghanistan acceptable to the Afghan people is the long-awaited desire of Pakistan. As mentioned peaceful and stable Afghanistan will provide connectivity in the region and a corridor for trade that will bring investment in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan will provide an opportunity to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.
It will open up many opportunities for Pakistan to boost its connectivity with Central Asian Republics (CARS). Peace in Afghanistan will provide an energy corridor to Pakistan. Pakistan has always desired that Afghan territory must not be used against any regional country especially Pakistan.
Current developments in Afghanistan clearly indicate that Afghanistan is not going in the right direction as violence in Afghanistan increasing day by day and moving towards a situation like the 90s. In case of civil war, there will be a spillover of Afghan refugees will create another tough situation as Pakistan is already hosting more than three million Afghan refugees.
Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan has been successfully defeated in military operations by Pakistan Army is now based in Afghanistan and can reconnect to conduct terrorist attacks in Pakistan while using Afghan soil. Pakistan has already facilitated negotiations between the USA and the Afghan Taliban, which had resulted in a landmark agreement between both parties to end 20 years-long war in Afghanistan. Pakistan is also trying now to facilitate and play its key role in the success of the intra-Afghan dialogue. But there are also responsibilities on powers especially the US that were directly involved in a war that they should play their part in a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan instead of saying goodbye to Afghanistan at this critical juncture.