Mechanism devised to sort out differences with Kabul: advisor

Afghan envoy Dr Omar Zakhilwal meets NSA Lt-Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua

ISLAMABAD: Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be back on track after months of tensions and war of words, as the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday reported progress in his recent talks with senior Afghan officials in London.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz said the London meeting with Afghan National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar had helped break the ice.

The meeting was in-camera and convened to discuss the status of the Pakistan-Afghan relations against the backdrop of tensions between the two neighbors.

A participant of the meeting which was chaired by Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari told The Express Tribune that the advisor informed the committee that Pakistan and Afghanistan would address each other’s concern under a framework  agreed in London talks.

The participant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the new framework envisaged increased interaction and cooperation between political, military and intelligence authorities between the two countries.

The new mechanism has already started taking shape with the first contact between senior military commanders of the two countries through a hotline this week.



More such contacts are expected in the coming weeks in order to ensure better coordination between the two countries at various levels.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office said: “The advisor while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs states that Pakistan is pursuing a policy of strengthening relations with Afghanistan.”

Describing terrorism as a common threat, Aziz said: “The bilateral mechanism recently agreed between the two countries provides an opportunity for engagement to address the issues of counterterrorism and border management.”

On the issue of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, Aziz reiterated that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and there was a need to focus on efforts for a politically negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan. “In this regard, Pakistan remains committed to continued efforts for facilitating an Afghan-owned Afghan-led peace process.”

Some of the committee members criticised the government for lack of policy to reach out to the people of Afghanistan who were sceptical of Pakistan’s role.

They said it was unfortunate that despite Pakistan had done so much for Afghanistan and its people, yet there exists a strong ‘anti-Pakistan sentiments’.



The committee urged the advisor to devise a policy in order to enhance people-to-people contact and address such misgivings.

Responding to the criticism, the advisor said with a view to further enhancing people-to-people exchanges, Pakistan was working on modernisation of the visa system and facilities at border crossing points.

He also informed the committee that to further deepen the cultural and educational linkages between the two countries, the government was also focusing on efforts to increase facilities for Afghan students in Pakistan’s educational institutions.

In this regard, the government has announced another 3,000 scholarships for Afghan students in the field of higher education after utilisation of the existing 3,000 scholarships.

On the Afghan Transit Trade, he urged the Afghan government to convene the next meeting of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority at the earliest to revise and strengthen APTTA.

Advisor Sartaj Aziz underlined the importance of close engagement between the two sides on connectivity projects in infrastructure and energy. He said $500 million economic assistance from Pakistan could be utilised for initiating these connectivity projects.

Meanwhile, Afghan Ambassador Dr Omar Zakhiwal met National Security Advisor Lt-Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed issues of mutual interests -- including efforts to normalise ties between the two countries.