THOUGH Pakistan and Afghanistan share a border, as well as historical, cultural and demographic ties, the relationship has been less than cordial in the modern era. Ties were especially strained during the Afghan jihad, as the pro-Soviet government in Kabul at the time and Islamabad were in two diametrically opposed ideological camps, with this country backing the Mujahideen. Later, while Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Afghan Taliban’s rule over Afghanistan, ties failed to improve after the Americans sent the armed Islamist group packing in late 2001. However, the process initiated through the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity, which started in 2018, offers both sides a chance to help improve ties in a mutually beneficial manner. Bilateral meetings under this framework were held in Kabul on Monday, with the foreign secretary leading the Pakistani delegation.

The action plan covers a gamut of areas, namely political and diplomatic exchanges, military ties as well as the economic sphere. Indeed, if such high-level exchanges continue regularly, the mistrust between Kabul and Islamabad can be reduced and a more constructive relationship can be built. This will no doubt be difficult, as there are some in Kabul’s corridors of power that bear a long-standing grudge against Pakistan, while certain states in the region will not want Afghanistan and this country to forge closer ties. These irritants must be ignored and both capitals must work hard to improve relations. While some in Kabul may criticise Pakistan for ‘supporting’ the Afghan Taliban, the fact is that the armed group is an undeniable reality on the Afghan political scene, which is why even the US — which politically and militarily backs the Afghan government — has signed a peace deal with the militia. The foreign secretary reiterated this reality when he told his interlocutors in Kabul that intra-Afghan peace must be pursued with “perseverance and unflinching commitment”.

Moreover, the presence of the self-styled Islamic State group in ungoverned parts of Afghanistan is a grave security threat for both countries, as well as the region. In fact, some of this country’s most notorious terrorists have taken refuge with their ideological comrades across the border. Let both capitals work together to eliminate this common threat, along with pushing forward the Afghan peace process. Also, in future if any misunderstanding does emerge between the two sides, let them discuss it through diplomatic channels in a rational manner, instead of resorting to mudslinging in full public view. It would be naive to assume that mutual distrust will melt away overnight. However, the action plan is an excellent forum to resolve thorny issues standing in the way of better ties. It is hoped that this forum is utilised to its full potential, and that a more cordial chapter is opened in Pak-Afghan ties marked by trust and cooperation.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2020