Af-Pak civil society moot: Dialogue must continue at all costs: experts

Declaration urges need for strong partnership to bring stability to region

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan wants its relations with Afghanistan to be based on equality and reciprocity. This was noted by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed at concluding session of first Af-Pak bilateral meeting of civil society and youth representatives on Tuesday.

The meeting was part of the project ‘Beyond Boundaries,’ a track 1.5/II initiative conceived by Centre for Research and Security Studies Islamabad, aimed to promote peace between both countries.

Without peace and stability in Afghanistan, there cannot be peace and stability in Pakistan, he said. The Pakistan of 2015 does not distinguish between good and bad terrorists, he added.

The concluding session of the dialogue was attended by members of civil society, media, intelligentsia, government officials and diplomats.

Chairing the concluding session, Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood noted that it is the responsibility of both countries to work together to resolve differences and actualise potential. Pakistan and Afghanistan must continue dialogue to lower trust deficit, he said.

Dr Muhammad Zubair, a prominent economist, briefed delegates on bilateral trade relations. He observed that trade potential between both countries was so significant that if national interests were truly considered; they would overlook all other issues.

During the concluding session, civil society and youth representatives from Pakistan and Afghanistan presented ‘Islamabad Declaration from the Regional Civil Society Group.’ The declaration while recognising the historic ties between Afghan and Pakistani societies, urges the need for strong partnership to bring stability to the region.

Delegates called on educational experts to review curriculum in order to raise the new generation of Afghans and Pakistanis with a more positive perception of each other and a better understanding of historic ties.

They also called on both governments to devise an effective mechanism to promote educational exchanges. It was noted that civil society institutions on both sides must join hands to protect human rights and learn from best practices.

This was the first meeting of Af-Pak civil society working group. Six more meetings are planned between Pakistani and Afghan delegates in Kabul and Islamabad, which will analyse regional security dimensions, foreign and defence relations, and a broader framework for cooperation between civil society and youth groups.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2015.