Abandoned arsenal

Afghanistan, undoubtedly, is in a precarious state of affairs. The hurried withdrawal of American forces from the war-ravaged country after staying put for more than two decades has pushed it to the brink. Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday brought to the fore a very pertinent issue: that weapons left behind in the Southwest Asian state is in need of global attention. The fear is that the deadly arsenal may fall in the hands of terrorists, who are at impunity to chalk out their course of action as non-state actors are regrouping once again. Islamabad’s observation is not without substance and a glance at the deteriorating situation suggests that the dispensation in Kabul is helpless, and is not in a position to tame the dreaded militants of TTP, as well as the remnants of Al Qaeda and others. Thus, with the abandoned catch likely falling into their possession, it poses grave ramifications for peace and security in the region.

The recent clashes on the Pak-Afghan border region is a case in point, and is an indicator that things are not settling down amicably. Though Pakistan has been too kind to the Afghan brethren, and has been supportive of a peace regime in Kabul, it seems some centrifugal forces are at work to derail the constructive initiatives. Of late, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Ali Durrani, had articulately choreographed how to mend the fences, and had made great inroads during his visit to Afghan capital. The same must be reciprocated by the Afghan Taliban, and it is high time they sttoped expressing their misgivings in the media.

The cooperation between the two countries must simultaneously move on two counts: one, counter-terrorism and, two, socio-economic development. In doing so, both the governments must be seen on the same page, and at the same time an intra-regional dialogue encouraged to address fissures left behind by the occupation forces. The onus is on Taliban leadership to establish their writ, and not to repeat the fiascos of their first era. Forming an inclusive cabinet, and rooting out terrorism is the way to go.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2023.

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