Laudable mediation

The cessation of hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the consensus to address their security fissures in a coordinated manner is a laudable development. The mediatory role that Qatar and Turkiye played has cemented a plausible peace process. While Qatar has been closely involved with Afghan Taliban for several years with the 2020 Doha Accord being a case in point, its renewed involvement hints at the fragility that has become a constant in Afghan governance, as well as the need to resurrect a new mechanism for tranquility. Moreover, the presence of Ankara has added new impetus – something that should embolden the initiative of peace and ensure a serious action by Kabul against all non-state actors.

The brawl between the two brotherly countries was quite unfortunate, triggered by the Afghan authorities repeatedly targeting Pakistani check-posts along the border. The retaliation from Islamabad was not only in self-defence but also to establish that unscrupulous elements were wreaking havoc from across the border. The presence of terror outfits, surprisingly denied by Kabul, has once again been confirmed by the UN as well as China, Russia and Iran. Afghanistan, by looking at the broader picture of serenity, should instantly act against non-state actors operating from its soil, and be aware that Doha and Ankara sit as honest guarantors for ushering in a mechanism for confidence building between the two sides. The sanctuaries must come to an end if geo-economics and perpetual peace and security have to take root.

With next round of talks due in Turkiye on October 25, the least that is desired is to work on a strategy to institutionalise peace, set up a bilateral and a regional counter-terrorism mechanism, and come up with a roadmap to root out TTP and the likes. Kabul must adopt a rapid course-correction strategy by jointly working with Islamabad on repatriation of refugees, restoration of transit trade and other commercial activities, and entering into periodic stock-taking discourse in the realms of bilateralism. The mediation from good friends has surely prevented Pakistan's western frontier from becoming a new war front.