Afghan ethnic unity essential for region: Maleeha

Warns of growing uncertainty on both the political and security fronts.

ISLAMABAD:

Enduring peace can only result if Afghan ethnic groups accommodate each other, without seeking to dominate, said Pakistan’s former ambassador to UK and US, Dr Maleeha Lodhi.

While addressing a seminar ‘Toward 2014: Challenges of the NATO Withdrawal’, organised by Senate Defence Committee and German political organisation Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) on Monday, Maleeha said that Pakistan did not want to see Afghanistan descending into a civil war, which would have devastating consequences for the region.

The last thing Pakistan wants is a replication of a 1990-like situation in Afghanistan. Unlike the past, Pakistan seeks not a Pashtun but an Afghan solution in Afghanistan, said Maleeha in her address.

However, she warned of growing uncertainty on both the political and security fronts.

“At this point, a comprehensive strategy that aligns the looming political and military transitions with headway in peace talks is missing,” said the former ambassador.

Also, a messy election, due in April 2014 in Afghanistan could plunge the country into turmoil ahead of the troop withdrawal and impede the peaceful exit of western forces, she added.

More participation

Endorsing the former ambassador’s views, Riaz Khokhar, the former foreign secretary, said that all six neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, along with the five permanent members of UN Security Council will have to play a significant role in post-Nato Afghanistan.

“Pakistan or any other country has no business in deciding who rules Kabul,” said Khokhar.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2012.