Peace and Stability in Afghanistan is vital for Eurasia

Pakistan has invested heavily on Infrastructure Development with the aim to facilitate Eurasia Trade through Gwadar. Huge Network of Motor Ways, Express Ways, Railway, Airports, and Gwadar Sea-Port are being developed on fast track. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are emerging soon. Facilities for trade, like Logistic Parks, Fuel Stations, Hotels, and etc are developing rapidly. Attractive policies like liberal visa policies, flexible tax system, and other related incentive based policies are being introduced by the Government of Pakistan. Pakistan is almost ready to facilitate Eurasia trade. The major obstacle to full-fill this dream, is the security situation in Afghanistan.

However the recent announcement “American and Taliban officials have agreed in principle to the framework of a deal in which the Talban would guarantee Afghan territory is never used by terrorists, which could lead to a full pullout of American troops in return for larger concessions from the Taliban, the chief United States negotiator said”. Reported by New York Time on 28 January 2019. “We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement,” Mr. Khalilzad said in an interview with The New York Times in Kabul. “The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals.”

Mr. Khalilzad added: “We felt enough confidence that we said we need to get this fleshed out, and details need to be worked out.”

It is obvious that Afghanistan is moving toward peace and stability. However, the details of agreements have to work out yet. We hope, US troops withdrawal may start soon and may be completed on an early date. Talban, who controls the major part of the country, have fought for freedom for so long, they must know the worth of peace and stability in Afghanistan. Talban have experience of ruling the country and mature enough to deal with the expected and expected situation. In the recent history of Afghanistan, Talban era was most stable, safe and peaceful time.

But, there are forces, opposing peace process like: current government, who has been involved in killing and fighting against Talban, which is understood and their opposition was expected. But US administration understands it well and have huge influence on them. Let the UA administration deal with current government. The other opposition is being faced by India, which is unnecessary. In fact, India’s involvement in domestic affairs of Afghanistan was never welcomed. India, was supporting and involved in the fight against Talban. India is afraid, if Talban, gain control in Afghanistan, may harm Indian interests in Afghanistan. India is busy in sabotaging any peace initiative in Afghanistan.

On other aspect, Afghanistan is multi ethnic tribal society in nature and differences are part of history. Although, Pakhtoon dominates by population, but most of them are illiterate and poor. While Northern Alliance, may be minority, but well educated and belongs to elite and ruling class. There is a fear of power struggle among the various factions.

It is desired a national care-taker government, representing all faction appropriately for some time, till a strong democratic government is formed by free and fair general elections. The care taker Government, may work with US administration closely during the evacuation of US troops and military hardware. Once all foreign troops are removed, then free and fair election can elect a democratic government, the true representative of people of Pakistan.

Pakistan is a neighbored of Afghanistan. We share rivers, mountains, culture, traditions, religion, and shared destiny. We played vital role in bringing Talban to bring to negotiation table. No one else can understand Afghan more than Pakistan. No other country suffered as much as Pakistan, due to situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has extended its full support and all possible facilitation in this peace process on the request by President Trump I n a letter issued to Prime Minister of Pakistan.

We believe, all nations having border with Afghanistan, Central Asia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Russia, may extend their all possible support to achieve the dream peace in Afghanistan. Peace and stability in Afghanistan, will facilitate Eurasia Trade and generate unlimited economic activities. This part of the world may have a very bright future and economic prosperity may prevail in this region.

Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomate), Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.