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ISLAMABAD: The new Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral engagement framework — Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) — became operational on Monday with both sides hoping that its implementation would contribute to promoting peace in the region.
“Both sides agreed that effective and full implementation of APAPPS would contribute towards the common objectives of eliminating terrorism and achieving peace, stability, prosperity and development of the people of the two countries,” a statement jointly issued by the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan said.
Earlier, the Foreign Office hosted a meeting of APAPPS. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua led the Pakistani side at the meeting, whereas Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai headed the Afghan delegation. It was the fourth meeting of APAPPS.
The two sides had consumed the earlier three rounds negotiating the contours of the framework, but an agreement remained elusive till Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited Kabul last month and met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
Islamabad, Kabul hope the action plan will contribute to promoting peace in region
The two leaders had on that occasion agreed on the new framework and tasked their foreign ministers and national security advisers with concluding the agreement.
The seven principles agreed between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the new framework for engagement included commitments that Pakistan would support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation; the two countries would undertake effective actions against fugitives and the irreconcilable elements posing security threats to either of the two countries; both countries would deny use of their respective territory by any country, network, group or individuals for anti-state activities against either country; they would put in place a joint supervision, coordination and confirmation mechanism through liaison officers for realisation of the agreed actions; territorial and aerial violations of each other’s territory would be avoided; there would be no public blame game and instead APAPPS cooperation mechanisms would be utilised to respond to mutual issues of contention and concerns; and working groups and necessary cooperation mechanism would be set up as per APAPPS.
Both sides have operationalised six working groups, including the ones on security and intelligence cooperation.
APAPPS is a Pakistani initiative for cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism and reduction of violence, peace and reconciliation, refugees’ repatriation and joint economic development. The plan enjoys the backing of both China and the United States.
“APAPPS provides a framework to strengthen mutual trust and deepen interaction in all spheres of bilateral engagements. It is also a mechanism for finding solutions to bilateral areas of concern,” the joint statement issued by Islamabad and Kabul said.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2018
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Comments (33) Closed
Absolutely nothing new here. This is an old, old, old story.
what a waste of time! Peace is a word not available in the afghan dictionary.
Yet another initiate but no one talks about the elephant in the room. Still, hope for best , peace and prosperity for both countries.
is this a millionith time they have declared they are going to work towards peace. Does the world really take these two countries seriously?
Just build the wall and deport people back to their country so they leave our lands alone.
No peace plan with Indian agent.
No peace is possible as long as foreign forces remain in Afghanistan. Afghans will never accept foreign occupiers or their instilled puppets no matter what, hence do not keep your hopes alive for peace
What about the mechanism to ensure our eastern neighbor doesn't sabotage this agreement
This is great for both countries and the only solution to all the problems we have
As an afghan, I have no hope or trust that this mechanism would work for either side. Call me pessimistic but we've been at war since the 70s and I don't see the Pakistani "establishment" committing to this mechanism.
A new security plan !!! Can they tell us what the plan is?
Even if it was 365 (366 times in a leap year), times every year, there is no peace coming to Pakistan with the henchmen being supported by the Americans in collaboration with their Afghan and Indian partners in crimes against humanity. That is the bitter truth and we may as well accept it and plan our actions accordingly to save our people and country from such acts, which continue to be carried out by all of them, separately or jointly.
We are simply wasting our time with Afghanistan. They are totally useless and incompetent people and will eventually blame it on us. We should close our border and Let them be friends with India
Others also should support this understanding and ties,
Send all Afghans back. Seal the border. Best peace plan.
I have dreamed Afghanistan situation has normalized. There is peace in Afghanistan and all the refugees have returned back to their country. People are living in Harmony and foreign foreign forces including Americans has left. Peace in Afghanistan has also brought end to explosions in Pakistan. People of Pakistan/Afghanistan crossing border freely. Trade is booming. There is welfare every where. Suddenly my eyes opened and I realized , it was dream and reality is different.
every meeting results in such agreement but on practical grounds nothing is visible.
What's new in there?
Why can't policies be economic oriented instead of security oriented .When will this country come out of security paradigm.
why don't the american just leave Afghanistan after that this plan would be highly successful
Kick usa out of Afghanistan and work with Pakistan.
Another diplomatic victory for India as Pak could not push for minimization of Indian role in Afghan. Afghans have their own interests, foreign policy, lets respect that. Lets all work towards peace
Good luck, try try try again until you succeed.
It should be clear that as long as the USA continues to occupy Afghanistan for their geopolitical reasons, nothing will change there.
It is in the interest of the US to prolong this war as long as it can, failing that it will be out of Afghanistan along with its basis, intellegence dens and assets, unable to destablise Iran, Pakistan, western China, the stans and of course Russsia. Afghan government and its security appratus depends upon US money for its survival, without which the whole thing will colapse in under a week, leading to another round of war between Notheran Aliiance war lords and the Taliban. Afghanistan needs to replace US money with an honest beroker like China genuinely interested in peace so that it can implement its One belt on Road plan. Afghanistan with its minerals wealth can become prosperous, China can extract their entire mineral wealth. China, Pakistan and the entire region can prosper inclunding India, but US does not like regions prospering because it will lose its hegemonic control over them.
Bad news for Indians
Only a strong, resolute Pakistan can deal with Afghanistan. No need to be Mr. Nice Guy with Afghanistan. There is no secret who is making Afghan foreign policy.
@Abraham - The only reason Americans and Indians are meddling in Afghanistan is to check the rise of China. Pakistan is also facing this sabotage from both. Why don't you Afghans get rid of these Anti-Muslim occupiers of your Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan
A very fruitful move.
Truly heartening. Peace in this region will be one of the sweetest of fruits for the people to enjoy.
@Abraham Be Optimistic dear - Its' not Pak but many 'players' playing games to keep the brothers separate.
Wise men build bridges and fools build barriers. Lets see where both nations stand in future. And hope India, Afghanistan and Pakistan can resolve issues and come together for peace and unmatched growth potential.
Depends on how establishment wants to play this one.