At a time when tensions between Islamabad and Kabul are rising, an eight-member group of Afghan youth has arrived in Islamabad to attend a five-day ‘Af-Pak Youth Dialogue’. Dawn spoke to some of the visiting youngsters and asked them how they thought the two countries could improve ties in the years to come.

Balqis Ehsan, 18, student

“Afghanistan needs Pakistan and Pakistan need Afghanistan. If the European countries could all join hands for the welfare of their people, after settling all their issues, why can’t we?

I want exemplary relations with all neighbours: Pakistan, Iran and India.

I appreciate Pakistan’s generosity for accepting thousands of Afghan refugees. I was also born in Quetta.

Afghanistan has been at war for 35 years now; that war should end now. If the Afghan government’s claim that Pakistan supports the Taliban is true, then Islamabad should stop backing them. But if these allegations are baseless, then our government should restrain itself.”

Atefa Ibrahim, 20, civic activist

“There are issues between the governments, but not between the nations. We have to sit together to resolve our issues and bring the people of our countries together. Cultural exchange programmes can go a long way in bridging the gap. I acknowledge that the relationship cannot be improved in a few days; it will take time, but we the youth have to play our role.

I also support dialogue because I think it is the best solution for all problems.”

Bismellah Pashtonmal, 28, activist and journalist

“The Afghan nation wants a good relationship with Pakistan and both countries have common interests.

However, there are issues. Talks were suspended following Mullah Omar’s death – Kabul thinks Islamabad knew of the death but didn’t share the information. And recently a suicide attack in Kabul killed a huge number of people. The Afghanistan government claimed the attack was carried out by the Taliban, who are based in Pakistan. If Pakistan is involved in such attacks, Kabul should bring evidence and end the blame game.”

Mukhtar Wafayee, 24, journalist

“I would say that there are some problems between both countries that have kept people on both sides away from each other. I think there is the issue of trust between Nawaz Sharif’s and Ashraf Ghani’s governments.

And when the media in Afghanistan, on the basis of government-provided information, run stories that terrorists who launch attacks on our soil are based in Pakistan, the sentiments of people are hurt very much.

Otherwise, the people of Afghanistan have a lot of regard for Pakistan.”—By Kashif Abbasi

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2015

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