ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan recently banned all Pakistani newspapers from entering the country to block what it calls the ‘Taliban propaganda’ from influencing Afghan public opinion, adding to tensions between the neighbouring nations. Such moves not only strain the already problematic bilateral equation, but also exemplify the sentiments of the US-backed Afghan government.
Before taking such a step, the Afghan authorities should have realised that once the foreign troops’ pullout is complete, Kabul would need Islamabad’s cooperation in every sphere of life. True, Afghan leaders’ alliance with India is supported by Washington; however, Kabul must keep in mind the vital role that Pakistan can play for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
Afghan authorities should remember and value the age-old transnational Pakistan-Afghanistan bond that has always defied the existence of physical boundaries and divisions between the two countries. It is Pakistan that has hosted thousands of Afghan refugees, providing them with shelter, food, employment opportunities and security. Both countries have together borne the brunt of a war three decades ago and they will be left alone to lick the wounds inflicted by this present war. They will have to contend with a horde of extremist groups and will need to cooperate with each other in a bid to deradicalise and reintegrate such groups into society. This reintegration process may take decades to complete as things in our region move at a painfully slow pace.
Hence, belligerence, evident through such acts by Afghan officials, must be discouraged in order to foster peaceful and friendly relations. Instead of focusing unfairly upon what Pakistan has allegedly unleashed upon Afghanistan and reacting through childish ploys, a few home truths need to be rammed into the short Afghan memory.
Jawayria Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2012.
