ISLAMABAD: A deal between Pakistan and the US regarding a new bilateral commission to lure Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table was finalised during US special envoy to Pakistan Marc Grossman’s visit to Islamabad on Sunday.
Details of the proposed commission were not immediately available, although sources disclose that the two countries will identify groups for reconciliation and facilitate smooth transition of power following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan said the two countries were working on ‘several proposals’ on the future of Afghanistan but would not go into specifics.
The formation of a commission had been in the pipeline for months, and Grossman’s recent visit proved to be momentous owing to significant grounds covered by both Pakistan and US.
The commission helped check the yawning trust deficit between the two sides. It was felt that the US had toned down rhetoric for an all-out offensive against the Haqqani network, in North Waziristan Agency (NWA). Sources attributed the apparent change of tactics by the US to the agreement on the proposed bilateral commission, which will also encompass a solution to the Haqqani network.
Flurry of in-house meetings
Privy to the significance of Grossman’s visit, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership had marathon consultations regarding the provisions of a Pak-US commission before his arrival. Sources said a day before the envoy’s visit, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar held a detailed meeting with Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, both of them then held more discussions with PM Pervaiz Ashraf.
Pakistan, which is considered key for any peace deal in Afghanistan, has often been accused of double play. But on its part Islamabad is concerned over attempts by the US to keep the country at bay over its future plans for Afghanistan. An official said, “The proposed bilateral commission will help reduce the trust deficit between the two sides”.
The official added that international players had started acknowledging the fact Pakistan could not be bypassed for any peace process in Afghanistan.
Grossman, who wrapped up his two-day trip to Islamabad, appreciated Pakistan’s ‘support for an Afghan political process, including through the US-Afghanistan-Pakistan Core Group.’ His remarks appeared to suggest the two countries made certain progress on the Afghan endgame.
Debunking myths
In a television interview, Grossman insisted he did not come here to push Pakistan for a military offensive in NWA, a revelation which went quite contrary to speculations made about his visit.
“Pakistan will make its own decisions about what is in its interests,” said the envoy.
Despite black-listing the Haqqani network, the US has not ruled out the possibility of reconciliation with the group, which has been accused of carrying out some of very daring attacks on foreign forces in Afghanistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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Hahhahaa....and Fake liberals then bash IK!
and they call Imran khan a coward/TalibanKhan/TalibanSympathizer when he talk about having dialogue with taliban? ..
Some time i am failed to understand the reason behind constituting the United States .silence has covered it by all the sides.interfarence under the international law in the global issues looks not anywher in the international affairs or disputes.
Afghanistan is disputed matter between Pakistan United States and Afghanistan itself.Political solution of it is dire need of the time.
It is solution is a soluttion of the all terrorism spreading in the world with time movement.
United Nation should forward and resolve it.There is no question of favourable party in power.Need of the time is peace and stopping the carnage therein and around.
Election must be held there acoording to the fundamenal frinciples of democracy under United Nations charter and law.
The stake holders should put their intersts aside and keep in mind the firm solution.As for as demands of the stakholder is concerned it must be depend on moral and legal justification.
United Nations ,according my considered opinion,can play crucial role in this longstanding and complicated matter.
If Pakistan gives up its policy of nurturing extremist forces for advancing its foreign policy goals, this problem of terrorism will disappear in just one week. These Bilateral Commission and demanding to have a say in the future of Afghanistan are of no avail. Pakistan should respect the will of the Afghan people and sovereignty of Afghanistan. The UN charter and other rules of international law forbids interference in the affairs of other countries and Pakistan should also abide by them.
its a good sign that Pak has finally chosen the path of democracy and thats the way forward, talibans should not use force or use islam and pak shouldnt support so called good talibans.