Talks with the Afghan Taliban

Talks with the TTP might contravene the Constitution and federal laws.

Reports suggest that the Afghan Taliban and the US are taking the prospect of detailed talks further. This is a pragmatic choice for both parties since the Taliban are a formidable stakeholder that need to be brought to the table for a viable solution for Afghanistan’s stability, once Nato troops leave. This development would not have taken place had Pakistan not extended its cooperation. Afghan and US government experts have regularly stated the significance of Pakistan’s role in pushing the Taliban towards the negotiating table. Sections within the Pakistani security establishment and public opinion hold that stability in Afghanistan would spill over into Fata through this process. Pakistan also released key Taliban leaders involved in these potential talks, thereby creating a better environment for both the parties. This also hints at a potential strategic victory for Pakistan’s establishment.

It would be impractical and disingenuous to correlate the US decision to talk to the Taliban with the idea that the Pakistani state should talk to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The US’s main goal in Afghanistan was to eradicate al Qaeda and hunt Osama Bin Laden. Though the former has not been fully achieved, the death of Bin Laden meant that a key goal of the US in Afghanistan has been met. Therefore, it makes sense for it to engage with the Taliban and help ensure a steady government. Additionally, the Taliban have stated their desire for a political solution to Afghanistan and have decried the use of the country’s soil for “threats to other countries”.

The TTP, however, is a different story. While the Afghan Taliban had worthwhile grievances in opposing the US, the TTP are in violent opposition to the legitimate standing of the Pakistani government. The TTP’s goals of enveloping the country with their violent, obscurantist ideology run contrary to not only what the citizens of Pakistan and its government want, but what the founder himself envisioned, and talks with them might contravene the Constitution and federal laws.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2013.

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