Examining the strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations amid security concerns and diplomatic tensions, scholars advocate for collaborative solutions at a recent conference, highlighting the imperative for mutual understanding and proactive engagement.
Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan has been strained by escalating tensions, primarily driven by Islamabad’s concerns over the presence of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) within Afghan borders. Despite numerous warnings and diplomatic efforts, the Afghan government’s response to Pakistan’s security concerns has remained inadequate. The return of the Taliban in August 2021 initially raised hopes for addressing security challenges, but subsequent events, including a surge in border tensions and terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, have dashed these hopes.
Efforts to engage with the Taliban and secure commitments to restrain the TTP have yielded limited results. Islamabad’s patience has worn thin as terrorist activities by the TTP continue unabated, resulting in a significant loss of lives among Pakistani security personnel.
In response to the perceived inaction of the Taliban, Pakistan has adopted a tougher stance towards Kabul. Measures taken include deporting undocumented Afghans, imposing transit trade restrictions, and intensifying public criticism of Kabul. Conversely, Kabul has expressed a desire to mend ties with Islamabad while urging Pakistan to separate trade issues from security concerns.
Efforts through purposeful meetings involving governments and Track 1.5/II stakeholders have been directed toward addressing shared priorities. However, the central challenges persist, including dealing with the TTP, with the Taliban seeking additional time and providing minimal assurances.
As tensions persist between the two countries, ordinary citizens bear the brunt of the consequences. Afghans flee to Pakistan amid prolonged school closures and uncertain prospects for their children. At the same time, the business community and daily wage earners rely on open trade routes and border crossings for their livelihoods. Amid the ongoing dispute over an insurgent group, it is the populace that endures hardships.
Proactive Solutions and Collaboration Must for Regional Stability: Scholars
Last week, religious scholars from both Pakistan and Afghanistan convened in Islamabad for the 3rd Pak-Afghan Religious Scholars Conference, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). Against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises, the conference provided a much-needed platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the development of pragmatic solutions.
Discussions during the conference spanned a range of critical themes, including security, diplomacy, humanitarian crises, education, and economic collaboration. Central to these discussions was the recognition that achieving sustainable peace requires not only security measures but also a stable economy and inclusive policies.
Mufti Mohammad Qasim emphasized the interconnectedness of peace, economy, and education, stressing the urgent need to address these issues collectively. Abdul Hafeez Amin highlighted the adverse effects of border closures on businesses, underlining the importance of keeping trade routes open to prevent financial losses and ensure livelihood security.
Abdul Waheed Waheed highlighted the collective efforts of intellectuals and academics in raising voices on the pressing issues faced by Afghanistan. He commended the unity and determination of Afghanistan’s intelligentsia in advocating for resolution and attributed the spread of radical ideologies to the historical divide between religious and liberal factions, leading to the closure of doors to knowledge and a deteriorating educational landscape across the country. Waheed emphasized the dire consequences of denying education to half of the Afghan population (girls and women) and expressed concern over the exodus of qualified individuals.
The female delegates collectively emphasized the critical importance of girls’ education in Afghanistan, advocating for an inclusive curriculum that promotes peace and social cohesion. Expressing skepticism about the prospects of change, they underscored the need for comprehensive educational reforms for both girls and boys.
Dr. Qibla Ayaz highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to advocate for girls’ education and recommended concrete steps to support Afghan students, such as providing scholarships and maintaining open-door admissions policies in universities.
Khuda e Noor Sadaf emphasized the importance of upholding humane values and the rule of law, warning against policies lacking a people-centric approach when it comes to tackling the migrant/refugee crisis.
Hakim Abdul Mujahid emphasized the severity of Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting challenges in health, humanitarian aid, and the economy. He stressed the importance of lifting sanctions on Afghanistan and integrating the Taliban into the global community to address these crises effectively and eradicate terrorist threats. Mujahid called for confidence-building measures and genuine dialogue between governments to resolve issues.
While the dialogue centered on regional stability, participants stressed the need for the Afghan authorities to address domestic issues like girls’ education and women’s employment, the plight of civil liberties, brain drain, and the propagation of radical ideologies. Afghan domestic issues have historically resulted in spillover effects, with Pakistan bearing the brunt. Hence, domestic peace is essential to ensure regional stability and friendly ties with neighbors.
Way Forward
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan need to engage in more robust diplomatic efforts to address shared concerns, particularly regarding security issues such as the presence of the TTP on Afghan territory.
Finding a balance between employing coercive measures and maintaining diplomatic relations is crucial. While it seems essential for Pakistan to adopt a tougher stance towards Kabul in response to perceived inaction on security concerns, it’s equally important to avoid actions that could lead to further escalation or strain bilateral relations.
Collaboration emerges as the sole viable path. Both nations must work together to address pressing challenges, including security threats, humanitarian crises, and economic instability. This involves fostering cooperation among governments, religious groups, civil society, academia, and international partners.
Diplomatic efforts should be guided by empathy, understanding, and the need to recognize each other’s concerns and perspectives. Both countries should prioritize initiatives that promote inclusive education, especially in Afghanistan, and address the ‘perceived’ cultural impediments to women’s education and economic empowerment. Additionally, investment in economic development projects in the bordering areas can help alleviate poverty and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Lastly, building trust through transparent diplomacy and confidence-building measures is essential. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan need to demonstrate their commitment to addressing shared priorities and implementing agreed-upon solutions. This includes honoring commitments made during diplomatic engagements and maintaining open communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
