By NNN-APP
London : A need for holistic, integrated approach to bring about peace in Afghanistan consisting of security, reconciliation and reconstruction was highlighted by Pakistan at a discussion organised by South Asia and Middle East Forum on Afghanistan at the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner to UK, Abdul Basit said his country has taken a number of measures to address the concerns on issues between the two neighbouring countries.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan have no option but to live side by side. They cannot change their geography. It therefore makes eminent sense for the two countries to live in peace and harmony,” he said.
He spoke about the recent Pak-Afghan Peace Jirga which met in Kabul and remarked that this was a very important development in removing mutual mistrust and committing the two countries to work together towards fighting extremism, terrorism and militancy.
Basit said though the two countries may have differences, misunderstandings but there is nothing which could take away the mutual goodwill existing at all levels. Peace and security between Pakistan and Afghanistan are interlinked, he added.
He also spoke about Pakistan’s immense contribution to the global war on terror and said his country has deployed 90,000 troops on the western borders to fight militants, Taliban and the foreign elements.
Basit noted that Pakistan has succeeded in destroying 10 international terrorist networks, arrested around 4,000 activists of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
He said the security co-operation between Pakistan and Afghanistan has increased. And under the Tripartite Commission Mechanism there has been good coordination in patrolling the border. Under this mechanism Joint Information Operation Cell has been also been established in Kabul manned by Afghan, Pakistani and NATO/ISAF officials.
Speaking about the measures taken to develop the tribal areas, the Deputy High Commissioner said the Government has adopted a comprehensive four-pronged strategy consisting of use of force, political dialogue, administrative reforms and socio-economic development.
He said although the challenges they face in the borders areas are very serious but expressed hope that due to their joint efforts against terrorism and militancy, they would eventually succeed in overcoming these obstacles and bring peace and harmony.
Basit also dwelt on the issue of Madarassah and said they form an important source of education to the poor people. However, he added, that the Government was taking measures to reform the religious schools and introduce modern curriculum.
Deputy Speaker of Afghan Parliament Hamed Gailani described the recent peace Jirga as ‘a major breakthrough’ in the relations between the two countries.” We are now moving towards the second phase to work on the problems that have been identified during the Jirga.”
He said the Afghan Government was actively engaged in the reconstruction process and has also shown interest in talking to the moderate Taliban in a bid to find an amicable solution.
However, he pointed out the NATO and ISAF forces have somewhat alienated the Afghan people due to their indiscriminate air strikes which has caused the deaths of innocent civilians. At the same time, he agreed that the withdrawal of international forces from his country would leave Afghanistan in a perilous situation.
Others who spoke on the occasion included author Peter Marsden, scholar Dr Jonathon Goodhand, political analyst Jonathon Paris Hudson and Christian Dennys of Amnesty International who said the organisation was alarmed at the human right violations by the international forces, the Afghan Government and the Taliban.
The speakers discussed the different aspects of the situation in Afghanistan and underlined the need for a negotiated settlement while ruling out any military solution. Need to decouple Afghanistan from Iraq was also emphasised. They also said the drug issue must be tackled in a rational manner.