Pakistan wants Russian engagement in Afghan peace process

Mateen Haider Published November 22, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Brushing aside the notion that Russian defence minister’s recently concluded visit to Pakistan might annoy New Delhi and Washington, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said improvement in ties between Islamabad and Moscow are not at the cost of relations with other countries.

Speaking exclusively to Dawn.com, he termed it Pakistan’s independent diplomacy and said, “Russia is a great regional power and Pakistan cannot ignore it”.

“After US/Nato forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, security would be a bigger challenge for Afghanistan… and Pakistan wants Russian engagement in Afghan peace process,” he said.

“We must forget what Russia did in the past and look forward to a new beginning in the region.”

Also read: ‘Milestone’ military cooperation pact signed with Russia

“Pakistan terms Russia and China's presence in the region as source of peace and stability and that is why all three are getting closer on strategic matters,” Khawaja Asif remarked pointing towards a major shift in Pakistan's foreign and security policy.

On relations with India, the defence minister said his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu was briefed about the prevailing situation at eastern borders and relations with India in general. He said that the briefing given to Gen Shoigu was very important ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India later this year.

‘Final go ahead to purchase MI-35 helicopters’

In a major breakthrough after Russia lifted arms sales embargo to Pakistan earlier this year, Defence Minister Asif said that a “final go ahead” for the purchase of Russian MI-35 gunship helicopters has been given.

“The matter remained under consideration for many months… now we have given Russians final go ahead for the purchase of these helicopters,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said.

Know more: Deal to sell MI-35 helicopters 'politically approved': Russian envoy

The minister said that the gunship helicopters would be used in the ongoing war against terrorism by Pakistani security forces.

“Russia has moved up Pakistan in its category B from D for arms sales, which means that Pakistan can now buy weapons from Russian market,” he revealed.

Pakistan

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kvrr

Nov 22, 2014 08:05pm

Who are you tell who needed in Afghanistan, it is government of Afghanistan who decides. These people lack common sense.

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Rizwan

Nov 22, 2014 08:05pm

Indian please start your criticism on it. waiting to see ur cordial comments.

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Farrukh Munir

Nov 22, 2014 08:05pm

At last a sensible policy statement from our government! We should come out of the shadows of the policies in this region and start making an independent foreign policy keeping in mind the regional reallignments. We must try to form a powerful block with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian Republics, and if India wants to be part of it then so be it. It will be beneficial to billions of people of this region, and they deserve the benefits of such cooperation - if the Europeans can do it why can't we? Russia and China are obviously working together on such strategic partnerships and Pakistan should work out how much they have gained from staying under the influence of American influence. Not much, except the rise of terrorism and fundamentalism in and around Pakistan.

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Musafir

Nov 22, 2014 08:07pm

Interesting to note that the minister said that "We must forget what Russia did in the past" but can Afghanistan forget the past and does Afghanistan want engagement by Russia or is it that Pakistan speaks for both Pakistan and Afghanistan and the people of Afghanistan do not know how to speak for themselves. The latter seems to be the case based on recent patronizing statements by Mr. Musharraf, General Raheel, and now Def Minister Khawaja Asif; just to name a few.

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omer khan shaheen

Nov 22, 2014 08:07pm

Pakistan is not answerable to anyone!

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Zak

Nov 22, 2014 08:08pm

Just keep quiet and fade away. How can anyone forget the past, where we suffer the consequence even to this day. We may deal with Russia but never forget the past. Btw the foreign minister should be talking on foreign policy.

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komal s

Nov 22, 2014 08:11pm

I find it amazing how Pakistani leaders keep talking on what is right for Afghanistan. May be the Afghans decide who they want in their country.

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Aly khan

Nov 22, 2014 08:13pm

Pakistan should sort out it's internal matters first before they start looking over the shoulders into other countries. We have the example of Iran, which minds it's own business and independent enough not to allow foreign forces involve in the internal matters of Iran. Does everyone agree? Please say yes or no

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being human

Nov 22, 2014 08:17pm

Seems like Pakistan manages foreign affairs of Afghanistan. Afghans despise Russians.

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Shuaib Bhat

Nov 22, 2014 08:21pm

We need Chinese and Russian engagement as it's in our interest. If premiers Nawaz Sharif and Ghani could kindly ignore their predecessors and their old and illiterate thoughts there is a chance. Pakistan and Afghanistan can become like it was in the 70s. Why can't we look at those times? Politicians from both sides talk about the 80s but conviniently forget our ties prior to that. Our relations are *not* 35 years old. Our new Primiers seems much more forward looking and have much more vision than our predecessors. I hope we take this opportunity to bury the hatchet and strengthen ties between our beloved brothers and sisters.

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muhammad

Nov 22, 2014 08:21pm

This is the right approach we should have cordial relations with all our neighbours including Russia

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Sunil

Nov 22, 2014 08:37pm

Taliban will react more vociferously, bringing back the same old enemy, and once again all foreign mujhadeens will reassemble to fight. Its like putting gasoline on fire.

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zeek

Nov 22, 2014 08:38pm

Good, we should balance our relations with Russia,America and China and should strike the same balance between iran and the GCC states.

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rahi

Nov 22, 2014 08:48pm

Yes really good for india. Russia is indias all time friend. Well done pakistan.

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san

Nov 22, 2014 08:49pm

Russia wants to isolate Afghanistan from Pakistan, because of Taliban factor, which can be the threat in future after withdrawal of NATO forces. Definitely this relation cannot be at the cost of Indian relation. Russia is supplying arms to Pakistan, while it is manufacturing arms "Brahmos" with India.

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Srini

Nov 22, 2014 08:51pm

You don't need any other country to engagement in Afghan peace process, first of all it has to be in the mind Pakistani Military and next in the Govt, that simple

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Sunil

Nov 22, 2014 08:53pm

I find this new level of Pak desperation amusing and laughable

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Independent

Nov 22, 2014 08:57pm

US President coming to India for Republic Day celebrations.......this seems to be an attempt to counter that. Short term thinking by Pakistan without considering the end game.

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Ahmer

Nov 22, 2014 08:59pm

Is it for us to decide who should be part of the Afghan peace process or for the people of Afghanistan? Is this another name for that infamous 'Strategic Depth'? Will we never learn?

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Haroon

Nov 22, 2014 09:03pm

The scent of sweet military partnership has changed the our tune. How whimsical are the moods in the corridors of power?

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cautious

Nov 22, 2014 09:09pm

"In a major breakthrough after Russia lifted arms sales embargo to Pakistan earlier this year" Russia will normally sell weapons to anyone/anytime - economics trump politics. The so-called embargo was a result of India pressure on Russia which evaporated when India decided it wanted to purchase modern/superior/reliable weapons from the West.

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Sucknabi

Nov 22, 2014 09:20pm

Ya after putins visit to india grade will be back to F

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truth

Nov 22, 2014 09:30pm

don't worry soon russia will cancel MI-35 deal under the pressure of NARENDRA MODI JAI HO!!!

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raj

Nov 22, 2014 09:31pm

And pakistan is going to beg for money from china or US for this deal?

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Nov 22, 2014 09:42pm

and US Ambassador met Imran Khan today Bani Gala residence.....may be a tactic to stop Nawaz govt from getting more closer to Sino-Russo alliance. This paradigm shift may become a game changer in region in particular and on world map in general, if pursued with honest intentions for country.

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Nov 22, 2014 09:43pm

I doubt whether Russia will believe this goodwill gesture

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salman

Nov 22, 2014 09:50pm

Nice move! Russia, Iran, China, Pakistan...are we in making a new block here? not a bad regional combination at all. From Pakistan perspective, we need all three..

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Caz

Nov 22, 2014 09:53pm

But the Afghans cannot forget what pakistan a puppet state of the US did to them!

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Baloch

Nov 22, 2014 09:53pm

'Pakistan 'WANTS' russian engagement in AFGHANISTAN'....lol..what actually is pakistan thinking?..someone should wake them up..they rank number 3 in the world insecure countries, and rank first in supporting terrorism....start from home, insecurity is due taliban and other militant outfits based in pakistan.. so for the security of the region, just eliminate those group and the region will be secure..simple as that..

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adi

Nov 22, 2014 09:54pm

umnn..Russia dosent have spare roubles for handouts if that's where this is heading judging from past history..good luck..youll need it.

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A Shah

Nov 22, 2014 09:58pm

Why do we not ubderstand China, Russia and even USA will not do anything to annoy India. We have to stop this obsession with India.

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Umar

Nov 22, 2014 09:59pm

the whole world has censured Russia over supporting mass murdering dictator in Syria and invading Ukraine... whole Russia's political and economic star sinks further, our defense minister is beating his chest about cultivating growing ties with a has-been spent corrupt former super power... well what can you expect from a country that counts the likes of Taliban and North Korea among its allies as well... we are the idiots of the world

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kashmiri pandit

Nov 22, 2014 10:12pm

why Pakistan always ask for third party,i can understand that Pakistan need foreign aid to survive but this is to much to ask, Russia don't give free loans in return, Putin upcoming visit to India will blow Pakistan landmark defense pact in thin air as India Russia sign 20 billion$ deal

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timurid

Nov 22, 2014 10:13pm

Did anyone ask Afghanistan what they want? Russian boots in Afghanistan again. What a brilliant idea!

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TruePakistan

Nov 22, 2014 10:16pm

Don't trust Russian they have not forgotten what we were the ones who made them small from USSR to Russian. They are always in favor of Indians and both of these countries will put Pakistan in some kind of trouble.

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Lucky Star

Nov 22, 2014 10:20pm

India should stop squandering hard earned money on Arms, because India cannot compete with China, Russia and Pakisatn in this race. India has already broken into three counteies: Pakitan, present India and Bungla Desh. If India keeps following a policy based on its overestimation of its potentials, India might break into furhter pieces, so whatever left of India, Indian leaders should follow a wise policy of non-agression towards its neighbors and spend money on the uplift of marginalized people.

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yogi

Nov 22, 2014 10:23pm

No doubt you will become multibillioraire by buying flying coffins as our congies did. What about young soldiers who die flying them. Time to make instead of buying.

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Shawn

Nov 22, 2014 10:23pm

Ha ha. First Russia should forget what you did to them in Afghanistan.

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Hassan

Nov 22, 2014 10:26pm

Garbage, Russia has no place in the peace process. We are headed to another Cold-War between Russia and the West. If Russia plans on using us as pawns this time and we allow it, it would be a grave mistake.

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T.M. Reddy

Nov 22, 2014 10:32pm

I agree, Russia knows better than any other country to handle Afghanistan. It is just that reason Russia quickly withdrew without much fan-fare - headache was left to the people whoever came next.

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atif

Nov 22, 2014 10:34pm

once upon a time, engagement by russians in afghanistan was considered a threat to islam. the erstwhile cronies of the guy who waged 'jihad' with help of US, west, israel and arab world, are now asking for russian engagement in afghanistan

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krishan gopal

Nov 22, 2014 10:43pm

These are the same Russians you were fighting in Afganistan...

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Asif

Nov 22, 2014 10:58pm

You should concentrate more in your internal security and getting a good civilian government first that works for the people.

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richard

Nov 22, 2014 11:00pm

they are through India. I thought Pakistan knew about this matter.

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Khanm

Nov 22, 2014 11:18pm

Politics is beyond human comprehension ..first we kick them out and now we call them to play a vital role in peace process

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Ajay vikram Singh

Nov 22, 2014 11:29pm

LOL. India and Russia - Best friends forever. Remember it. Modi has pulled a diplomatic coup where ....on Indian republican day...both Obama and Putin is coming as guests of honor ..and there is going to be a tri-lateral engagement of strategic importance. Both Obama and Putin has cancelled their previous plans to accommodate Indian occasion. Very soon....all global strategic "mantras" will be decided in India, as India has always been world's "Guru".

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Akhtar

Nov 22, 2014 11:35pm

It is a very good idea in getting Russia on board. Their input and knowledge ill greatly help to bring peace in the region. China , Pakistan and Russia make a good alliance.

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NORI

Nov 22, 2014 11:37pm

So, Pakistan is the ticket collector at the gate to Afghanistan and decides who should get in !!! Also, why Russia ?? It is neither an Asian country nor has a border with Afghanistan (Pakistan's logic for excluding India).

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Common man

Nov 22, 2014 11:51pm

PMLN is doing well on all fronts. While Ik and JI are exposing themselves day by day.

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Skeptic

Nov 22, 2014 11:53pm

Good wisdom being shown here by the Gov't and the Establishment. Let the comments begin from our Indian disgruntled friends on the forum....

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USN

Nov 23, 2014 12:06am

circus , first Russian next Taloban, then American an now Russia is back :)

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kamran

Nov 23, 2014 12:16am

I think its Pakistan internal matter and should not be cause of concern to neighbors as they are also shifting towards US. And a shift in foreign policy resulting in more inclining to Russia than US may be a step in right direction as historically US is proved as unreliable friend.

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Laddoo

Nov 23, 2014 12:18am

Pakistan shouldn't care what annoys New Delhi. Indians are always annoyed at something. Only three capitals that should matter as far as Pakistan's foreign policy is concerned are Washington, Beijing and Moscow.

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Jeet

Nov 23, 2014 12:32am

Afghanistan is not your colony they will decide what is best for them. You apply your wisdom to solve your own problems. Afghanistan is the only weak neigbhour and look how you want to control them.

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Akashvani

Nov 23, 2014 12:36am

Fix your issues first before caring about afgans..

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run

Nov 23, 2014 12:41am

All the talks about Pakistan making a powerful block with China, Russia and central Asian countries as someone commented is such a childish comment. No one cares about Pakistan, most countries even China wants just money out of it. Russia is selling its junk to Pakistani army since india doesn't want its junk anymore and Russia needs money from somewhere so that it doesn't go bankrupt.

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Skeptic

Nov 23, 2014 12:57am

@Sunil And i find the Indian's strangely nervous about this .Now that's laughable..Lolz

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Laddoo

Nov 23, 2014 01:02am

@kvrr Do you think it's a coincidence that afghan pres Ghani visits Pakistan a week before Russian defence minister's visit and then Khawaja Asif makes this statement? No it's not. These are all calculated statements which are made knowing fully well everyone is on board.

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Laddoo

Nov 23, 2014 01:03am

@Sunil And this Indian frustration is also amusing and laughable.

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neeraj

Nov 23, 2014 01:04am

Is Afghanistan your colony that you are speaking on their behalf?

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paatchu

Nov 23, 2014 01:06am

@Rizwan Ha,,Haa..Indians will not comment they will start supply their Russian arms to Afghanistan.. It will definitely a fun to watch Afghanistan'a attack with Russian arms is being defended with russian equipments by Pakistan..

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paatchu

Nov 23, 2014 01:09am

@Farrukh Munir Fought against Russia decades ago...Encouraged all kind of Taliban Jihadi elements in the past just to defend Russians.. Now ur with Russians fighting against Jihadi's...very good...But how u r gonna convince these Talibaans??...They are definately make mess out in Pakistan

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Whisky

Nov 23, 2014 01:11am

Great news. Its always Russia, China and Pakistan vs the west. We share common geographical and economic interests.

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paatchu

Nov 23, 2014 01:13am

@Sunil You said it..An Indian sitting miles away able to understand this simple logic, but Pakistanis can't ..what a tragedy!!

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DR. SHAZIA KHALIFA

Nov 23, 2014 01:14am

Pakistan has suffered enough for it's allegiances to those power players which put it between a rock and a hard place. Now Pakistan has to decide its own destiny, and no nation - neither Russia, America or India has any business interfering in Pakistan's sovereignty as a democratic and free country. These three all have very serious socio-economic challenges within their own borders, and should focus on them - leave Pakistan to manage and chart out its own destiny, thank you.

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Shahpur

Nov 23, 2014 01:23am

If all these regional powers work in the best interest of ordinary people of the region, a lot can be done soon. They all have no other choice. USA is a business-corporate country and together they can change the lives of ordinary people for a better tomorrow.

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Merchant

Nov 23, 2014 01:24am

And American disengagement.

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Zafari

Nov 23, 2014 01:25am

Well done! Pakistan has already been inflicted by terrorism, poverty,talibanisation,energy crisis, firing on border with India, protests by miscreants and other innumerable menaces. At such a critical time, Pakistan must welcome and maintain friendly relations with maximum number of countries. And as Afghanistan is concerned, Pakistan must be cautious because instability in Afghanistan can adversely affect Pakistan. So, Pakistan must take keen interest in the affairs of Afghanistan.

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Shahid

Nov 23, 2014 01:33am

@kvrr , He didn't say, we need Russians in Afghanistan but asked for their engagement in afghnistan peace process which widely effects Pakistan too. The situation in Afghanistan already involves 35 countries on the ground and an other 10 in the process of talks. Situation in Afghanistan is not a problem of Afghanistan only, Pakistan is deeply effected and rest of the region has its issues too.

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Ramesh

Nov 23, 2014 01:38am

Who made Pakistan the foreign policy maker of Afghanistan? It is this kind of 'strategic depth' that has backfired and is slowly engulfing Pakistan itself.

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musafirpardeshi

Nov 23, 2014 01:39am

@zeek: Pakistan does not even have a real foreign minister, then how would they balance relationships with russia, usa and china? Is it still possible?

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Md Imran

Nov 23, 2014 01:39am

I've been ecstatic ever since Russia and Pakistan signed the pact. No other nation in the who wide world has strategic significance as Russia and Pakistan. And now with our two great nations coming together, we can be invincible and change the course of world politics. We have China and Russia on either side and the blessing and support of the entire ummah. India and Israel must be very very worried indeed.

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Haider Rehman

Nov 23, 2014 01:40am

You mean what USSR did in the past not Russia.

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hyat

Nov 23, 2014 01:42am

indian's are good critics they just alway improve pakistan when they give rigorous comments on pakistan. India you are big enemy but better than our friends.

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Haider Rehman

Nov 23, 2014 01:42am

@Sunil I find your new method of trolling amusing and laughable.

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Taimoor Khan

Nov 23, 2014 01:43am

@Sunil what desperation sunshine? We are buying their attack helis and they are selling it. And yes they will be used agaisnt hostile Indian forces if need arise.

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z.abbas

Nov 23, 2014 01:56am

@Sunil don't worry about Taliban they like Russians more now then Americans.

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Rhet

Nov 23, 2014 02:01am

@Sunil you seem to be disappointed that we are ready to solve our problems in the region.

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navi

Nov 23, 2014 02:02am

@Rizwan Good for india...Russia is all time Indias friend. Appreciate pakistan blunder..

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navi

Nov 23, 2014 02:03am

@Sunil good for india sunil

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fasaduddin

Nov 23, 2014 02:21am

good choice. Russia might help us fight polio as well.

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BRR

Nov 23, 2014 02:26am

Pakistan is eager to prescribe its preferences for Afghans, how Afghans should behave, without consulting them as usual.

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Nov 23, 2014 02:33am

@Farrukh Munir (If Europe can do it why can't we.) There is a huge difference between Europe and and the third world, are you comparing the west with Pakistan, you really know how to pull the plugs. Empty vessels make a lot of noises.

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Ajaya K Dutt

Nov 23, 2014 02:48am

@Rizwan - Many Pakistani readers are posting sensible, objective and fair comments. So no need.

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Dev

Nov 23, 2014 02:57am

One day u will invite China to rule Pak.....

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Nov 23, 2014 03:05am

First Mr. Kasuri and now K.Asif, speaking for Afghanistan. Making it look like Islamabad is Afghan capital. Interesting indeed!

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Dr. Abdul Manan

Nov 23, 2014 03:10am

I am liking my ministers these days. They are really making sensible decisions. Thanks to the Govt.

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Srini

Nov 23, 2014 03:22am

Here as an Indian comment on this particular column. Good luck to Pakistan and its people. Hope this will bring some peace of mind and internal stability. I request all Pakistani's to compare the economic growths since independence and see where this went wrong. Here is my personal experience and doesn't need to be applicable to anyone else. Do not think about others and focus on your own development. If we think about others, we are wasting our own growth. Pakistan's policies are India centric. This is the reason, they are not focusing on their own growth. Pakistan was under the military dictatorship for nearly 60% of the time since independence and they always tries to divert the attention of people from their domestic failures. If we want to beat an enemy first we need strengthen ourselves. The way Pakistan government is asking US, Russia and other contries help in resolving issues with India, indicates that they are weak and they do not have enough strength to solve the issues. This is a simple suggestion and nothing related to revenging attitude. I have so many good Pakistani friends in US. Keep aside our differences. Let us think about Kashmir. Just show me a single example by which we can concur anything by war in modern days. Look at what happened in all recent wars. Even the most powerful nations, went back 20 years in their development after a war with much weaker countries. Explore other options. War and enemity will not solve the problems. I will stop my rant now :-) Srini

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light

Nov 23, 2014 03:23am

@Sunil and i find your obsession of pakistan laughable

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Zaki Shah

Nov 23, 2014 03:24am

We may want to forget what Russia did in the past but would they forget what we did in the past ? Every country has an axe to grind with us....

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Anis

Nov 23, 2014 03:48am

Bringing Russians in picture is more to do with Nato and and Americans. So, its a good diplomacy by Pakistan to counter those two, but it will not add anything to peace. It is unfortunate that Afghanistan a sovereign nation will never be out of turmoil. Overall a tricky situation and a paradigm shift in the Pakistani foreign relations.

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Muhammad Farooq

Nov 23, 2014 04:01am

@muhammad I wish it would have been realized soon after the independence in 1947.

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Mohammad Saleem

Nov 23, 2014 04:10am

Both the erstwhile Soviet Union and Pakistan, have caused colossal death and destruction for which Afghans will never forget and forgive them. Pakistan should put an end to its counter productive policy of aiding and abetting Afghan terrorist. Failing to do so, Afghans have to opt for tit-for- tat treatment

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Prashant Bangalore

Nov 23, 2014 04:30am

Uncle Sam would not take this one lightly. Uncle Sam is footing your bills and you are cozy in g up to Russians. Not good. Having said that I never liked Russians.

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Sunil USA

Nov 23, 2014 04:40am

stop crying in front of everyone !!! This is international politic no one will help unless there is a gain.

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skash

Nov 23, 2014 04:53am

no free money from russia.. guys..

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Ali Abbas

Nov 23, 2014 05:06am

@Farrukh Munir Do not forget that Russia is principally and primarily a European country. Joining Russia now will be out of the frying pan into the fire for Pakistan. Pakistan needs leaders of wisdom and sagacity for times like these. Kawaja Sahib and the other bald advisor of the PM who recently was making irresponsible statments about good and bad Terrorists are an embarrassment for Pakistan.

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Hashim khan

Nov 23, 2014 05:21am

New world order keeps on taking twists and turns. Countries and their boundaries are going to change soon.

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BRIJ

Nov 23, 2014 05:37am

@zeek What about India.

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Shobhit

Nov 23, 2014 05:58am

So no one needs to ask Afghanistan. Pakistan's sense of entitlement in Afghan affairs is quite amusing to me.

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sudhakar

Nov 23, 2014 06:01am

Then why did you guys fight against Russians for 3 decades in the first place?

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Lucky Star

Nov 23, 2014 06:07am

@Sunil You can laugh as much you can but history is not on your side. India that once extended to Afghanistan on one side and to Burma on the other side and has shrunk to present India. Be wise and take care of your present India before it disappears from the surface of the earth. Always be ready for the unexpected.

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Mustafa

Nov 23, 2014 06:20am

@Sunil; "I find this new level of Pak desperation amusing and laughable" As long as our army is guarding the nuclear bomb, all problems are reversible. We put Modi in his place in the border skirmishes, didn't we?

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Azam

Nov 23, 2014 06:56am

I think it is a very good move from Pakistan and a valuable shift in her foreign policy. The timings are very interesting since the COAS is also visiting US these days. I think overall it's a very smart move by Pakistan.

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Ayaz

Nov 23, 2014 07:20am

Afghanistan is not a province of Pakistan. Just like Sartaz Aziz, Khwaja Asif is going to blame others next day for being misunderstood.

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Neeraj

Nov 23, 2014 07:22am

Afghanistan is not your back yard. Seems did not learn any lessons from history.

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Vishnu

Nov 23, 2014 08:20am

Well, it is all and only about arms sale.

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junaid

Nov 23, 2014 08:50am

Indian readers again seem unhappy. I don't know why they are so much biased towards Pakistan. Pakistan defense minister is right that Afghanistan needs a regional policy for hers stability.

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anand singh

Nov 23, 2014 09:16am

The ability of Pakistan to make U Turns is amazing. Adversity makes strange bedfellows - this applies so well to Pakistan.

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Waqar

Nov 23, 2014 09:25am

pakistan who is responsible for break up of USSR, wants them to help them?

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Kashor

Nov 23, 2014 10:30am

They want to start it all over again. That is how the army and the ruling dispensation remains relevant. But the problem is US is not leaving as yet.

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krishan gopal

Nov 23, 2014 11:13am

Looks like external affairs ministry of Afganistan has been outsourced to Pakistan...atlest Pakistani leaders think so...

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raj

Nov 23, 2014 11:23am

Nobody wants to be parts of the blocks,who consists of a beggar,leave apart Iran nd afghanistan nt even central Asia n republic or Russia wants to be part of it.Russia itself have numerous problem,depleting resources,slowdown,border tension,have no tym to give this a check !!! And,regarding are s deals,u people H've no choice to either lie on inferior Chinese or rusting Russian goods.although this is part of big economy,they want market nd nw it is u.it is India ever be at center ,when we have purchased wid Russia ,they stop selling u,nw this tym US .

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Chetan Prakash Chandra

Nov 23, 2014 11:59am

There is a complete volte face of Pakistan in it's policy towards Russia & USA, earlier they allied with the latter to topple the regime,which had led to the existing condition of Afghanistan and now this is a new card to lure Russia again to meddle in Afghanistan, to serve their own political interests. They are already the servants of China and now they would be having a new master,Russia. Earlier they siphoned of lot of military hardware & money from USA and now they are targeting China & Russia.

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Einstein Babar

Nov 23, 2014 12:04pm

@kvrr Definitely Khwaja stated this after his discussion with Afghans

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Einstein Babar

Nov 23, 2014 12:07pm

@Aly khan All the things need same focus, while managing internal affairs we cannot ignore what is going all around, I don't know what makes people write such nonsense comments

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Einstein Babar

Nov 23, 2014 12:27pm

In a nut shell; (1) Indians should not suggest what Pakistan should do. Recent tension is a clear proof that in any case Pakistan will not accept Indian dominance, (2) Russians attacked Afghanistan and Afghans defeated them so "Hisab barabar", (3) If India wants to quit from Afghanistan with respect, this is the best time as you always copy America (4) Don't live under Modi effect he will bring you down

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Pats

Nov 23, 2014 12:49pm

What a country and people? You want America to interfere in Kashmir You want Russia to interfere in Afghanistan You want China dictate terms to Pakistan Don't your country and people do things on their own intelligence and rational thinking?

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Pats

Nov 23, 2014 12:52pm

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Kranti

Nov 23, 2014 01:39pm

Please remember these words. After some time don't tell that, we never told like that.

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A. Mangal

Nov 24, 2014 08:23am

@kvrr . So should any country not intervene in other country's affair being thousands of miles away! Your statement is farce! Isn't that the norm since 1971 for you to intervene in another country? And now trying to be rain maker up to far-east! What a silly statement you made!

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Guru

Nov 24, 2014 10:28am

How can Pakistan forget what russia did in 1971....

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Sreenath

Nov 24, 2014 10:45am

As it is said , everything is fair in love and war. Pakistan can have a shift in its foreign policies, can have shift in its loyalties with the super powers , nothing is so peculiar in it. I only wish Afghanistan is not become a testing laboratory for some other countries policies and relations, Afghans had enough of violence and bloodshed I feel it is time to give a chance for peace in Afghanistan which they missed for decades.

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Indus

Nov 24, 2014 11:39am

Have guts and wisdom to talk to Afghanistan directly. why always call US China or UN for all your disputes growup take your life in your hands.

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Qasim_Rizhvi

Nov 24, 2014 07:37pm

Yes, now afgans want to mend fences with their enemies Russia. Pakistan donned the role of mediator between Russians and Afgan brothers.

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Harsh

Nov 25, 2014 09:19am

India wants Maldives involvement in Afghan peace process.