A file photo of Taliban fighters. PHOTO: AFP
In fact, a conference such as this would have been an ideal way to bring about clerical consensus against the Taliban. One reason extremism is thriving is that too many prominent clerics have provided religious cover to the Taliban. Even if they denounce the Taliban’s methods, they are often in agreement with their interpretation of religion. This conference should have been used to try and counter that. Instead, Pakistan is thwarting the possibility of even creating an anti-Taliban alliance. This will be counterproductive for the cause of peace in both countries.
Then there is also the unfortunate fact that such actions serve only to reinforce the almost colonial way in which Pakistan treats Afghanistan. In our dealings with that country, we want things to either go our way or we pack our bags in a huff. It was this attitude, which led to our foisting the Taliban on Afghanistan and then continuing to support the Afghan Taliban based in our territory. It seems that for us, Afghanistan simply exists to further our regional geopolitical goals. Now might be the time for some humility, to show Afghanistan that we take its concerns seriously even if we disagree with them. The place to express these disagreements and debate them would have been at the conference.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2013.
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So true...
To host the Taliban murderers when they fled Afghanistan and allowing them to stage attacks there and subsequently run back into Pakistan,has shown Afghans where Pakistani loyalty lies. Now Pakistan has the gall to ask Afghanistan to handover Maulvi Faqir, is heights of day dreaming. Only Pakistan can come up with such convoluted logic of convenience nobody else accepts. Since over a year well meaning friends have been warning Pakistan to abandon the Taliban and make Peace with the neighbor. However reason and logic is not the strong suite of the the Mullah / Military alliance that is in all practical purposes running and terrorizing Pakistan. This is despite knowing that the fruits of self indulgence have been very bitter for common citizens of the country, affecting not just life and death but more importantly the mental health of the youth. To self destruct at the alter of Ego, Pride and Falsehood is the unfortunate price being paid for the apathy and lack of empathy towards valuable human life.
Debating, arguing, listening to other side, agreeing to disagree etc are not in the psyche of Pakistan. IWT arbitration cases are examples. What could have been sorted out with India in a give and take attitude, would have resulted in some goodwill. But fighting in the field or in the court did not come easy and Pak did not get everything in its way. Agreed that the court did disapprove certain points raised by India but approved certain points. Had Pakistan come for a compromise, court cases could have been avoided. It is "either my way or the highway" which is costing Pak dearly.