Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been far from ideal in recent years. Both the sides have thrown the blame on the other for the coldness in relations. However, the recent visit of Afghanistan by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa in which he met top Afghan leadership has once again rekindled hope that relations between the two countries will now head towards a positive trajectory.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations at the end of Gen Bajwa’s visit to Kabul, during the visit, the Army Chief had exclusive one on one meeting with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani followed by delegations level discussions. Gen Bajwa also had meetings with Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Commander Resolute Support Mission (RSM) General John Nicholson.
Gen Bajwa congratulated Afghanistan authorities on recent peace initiatives especially in respect of the holy month of Ramadan/Eid and wished that these steps gain more of permanence ultimately leading towards an enduring peace. The discussions encompassed wide range of issues especially the ongoing efforts for reconciliation in Afghanistan, measures needed to check rise of ISIS and the issue of terrorists taking benefit of the porous border to indulge in terrorism, smuggling and drug trafficking, being often networked together.
The Army Chief reiterated that it is the regions and not countries that develop for which peace and development remain quintessential. Gen Bajwa further said that having attained relative peace and stability inside Pakistan, efforts are now focused towards socio-economic development as a route towards enduring peace and stability. The Army Chief said that recently agreed Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Stability (APAPPS) is expected to bring more cooperation and coordination between the two countries. Referring to border fencing, Gen Bajwa said that this is an obstacle for checking terrorism and not between people of both sides. Afghan President and Chief Executive both thanked Gen Bajwa for his visit and APAPPS initiative.
Pakistan has for long reiterated that dialogue is the only way forward for peace in Afghanistan. At the same time, Pakistan has always extended Afghanistan its full support in any peace initiative. Pakistan has always stressed that peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan’s utmost desire, but some elements in Afghanistan are opposed to good relations with Pakistan. However, despite the presence of such elements there is now a realization in Afghanistan that diplomatic onslaught against Pakistan is ill-advised and without any justification.
Peace in Afghanistan has always been Pakistan’s utmost desire.
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