PESHAWAR: Former amir of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan Sirajul Haq has said that the Afghan nation has proven its resilience by defeating British imperialism in 1919, Soviet imperialism in 1979, and Nato forces led by the US in 2001, asserting that this region cannot be subjugated.

He emphasised that mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan must end, and both countries should become partners in development, trade, education, and health. He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘New Dimensions of Pak-Afghan Relations’ organised by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) Peshawar, according to a statement issued on Friday.

Sirajul Haq, who is a former senator and ex-provincial senior minister, proposed the revival and extension of the Peshawar-Torkham railway line to Afghanistan, issuance of special identity cards to Afghans, and permission for documented citizens of both the countries to move freely across borders.

He further stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan are two independent and sovereign neighboring nations deeply linked through religion, culture, language, and geography. Strengthening their friendship is not only in their mutual interest but also crucial for regional development.

He added that history bears witness to Pakistan’s consistent support for Afghans in difficult times, and stability in Afghanistan equally benefits Pakistan.

Sirajul Haq asserted that the Pak-Afghan border was a recognised reality and any attempt to create controversy around it should not be supported. He termed the concept of “Pashtunistan” a dead issue and warned that any attempt to revive it would fail.

He also claimed that Afghans defeated American imperialism, Pakistan countered the vision of ‘united India’, and Iran resisted the idea of ‘Greater Israel’.

He proposed that Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey should form a united front to lead the Muslim world and reshape the future of the region.

Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah, in his address, highlighted that the first bond between Afghanistan and Pakistan was their shared Islamic faith. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani people for their sacrifices in the war against terrorism and called upon both the countries to play role in enhancing mutual understanding through direct engagement.

Deputy Chairman of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, said bilateral trade, once stood at $2.5 billion, had plunged to $800 million due to recent tensions but is gradually recovering.

He urged improvement in transit trade, visa policy, and border management to ease difficulties faced by traders and transporters. Senior journalist and analyst Mehmood Jan Babar and IRS Chairman Dr Muhammad Iqbal Khalil agreed that both the countries must not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also collaborate in various fields including education, healthcare, culture to ensure lasting peace and development in the region.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025