Regional Cooperation and the Path to Stability in Afghanistan
The issue of peace and security in the region has long been intertwined with the instability in Afghanistan. Over the past four decades, the volatile situation in the country has continuously threatened regional stability, particularly affecting neighboring states like Pakistan. Despite the withdrawal of NATO forces and the establishment of Taliban rule, there has been little progress in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism that continues to impact the entire region.
In response to this ongoing challenge, two quadrilateral meetings were recently held to discuss regional peace and security. The first took place on 25th September during the UN General Assembly session, hosted by the Russian Federation and attended by Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia. A second meeting followed in Moscow, reaffirming the key recommendations from the initial discussions.
Key Recommendations and Observations
The outcomes of these meetings included several critical points:
- Afghanistan must fulfill its international commitments and prevent terrorist groups from using its territory to attack other countries.
- NATO members should take responsibility for the current situation in Afghanistan and create opportunities for its economic recovery and future development.
- Unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan should be lifted, and its overseas assets should be returned to support the Afghan people.
- Afghanistan should be supported as an independent, united, and peaceful state free from terrorism, with a regional initiative aimed at uplifting its economy and integrating it into regional cooperation.
- Humanitarian assistance from the international community should continue without political conditions.
- Counterterrorism cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels with Afghanistan must be strengthened to eliminate terrorist groups and prevent the use of Afghan territory against neighbors.
- The Afghan government must create conditions for the return and reintegration of refugees into political and social processes.
- The international community and donors must provide adequate and sustainable financial support for the repatriation of refugees.
- Afghanistan must build an inclusive governance system that ensures access to education and economic opportunities for women.
- The sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected.
- All countries responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan must refrain from seeking military bases in and around the country.
These deliberations highlight the genuine concerns of regional countries regarding the threat posed by terrorist entities based in Afghanistan and the obligations of the Afghan government in this regard. They also reflect the serious intentions of these nations to help Afghanistan end its global isolation and rebuild its infrastructure with regional and global support.
Strengthening Regional Ties
In recent months, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have engaged in three rounds of tripartite talks, committing to bolster joint efforts against terrorism and deepen collaboration in key areas such as trade, transit, regional development, health, education, culture, and combating drug trafficking. These discussions also included the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
In light of these discussions and decisions, Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to upgrade their diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level. This move is seen as a positive step toward fighting terrorism and enhancing regional connectivity.
However, despite these efforts, Afghanistan has not taken credible actions against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. Instead, there has been a significant increase in acts of terrorism in KPK and Balochistan. Pakistan has consistently sought good relations with Afghanistan and has advocated for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led solution to the conflict. It has made relentless efforts at bilateral and multilateral forums and even facilitated the Doha Agreement between the Taliban and the USA.
Challenges and Opportunities
Pakistan understands the importance of improving relations with Afghanistan and the need for cooperation in dealing with the phenomenon of terrorism. China’s role as an influencer and its engagement with Afghanistan offer vast potential for stability, regional integration, and development. As the Taliban seeks global recognition, engagement with China could play a decisive role in that direction. However, this outcome will depend greatly on Afghanistan’s willingness to demonstrate a commitment to creating a cooperative regional environment and taking strong measures against terrorism.
The Taliban government owes it to the people of Afghanistan, who have endured four decades of war and instability, to establish peace and work for their economic emancipation. This is impossible without the cooperation of regional countries and the support of the global community. A new beginning is needed, and it is hoped that the Taliban government will uphold the commitments made in the trilateral dialogue, which hold transformational prospects.
The Way Forward
The biggest challenge for Afghanistan, and more so for Pakistan, is dealing with the growing phenomenon of terrorism, which emanates from Afghan soil where groups like TTP and BLA have sanctuaries. Cooperation in political and economic domains, along with the extension of CPEC, is contingent upon effectively dealing with and eliminating terrorism.
This sets the agenda for dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan to devise a mechanism to address terrorism and end the sanctuaries of terrorist groups on Afghan soil. This would be a pivotal factor in normalizing relations between the two countries. Peaceful conditions in Afghanistan and the elimination of terrorism will also facilitate the completion of trans-regional projects like TAPI and CASA-1000, which have remained stalled due to the volatile situation in Afghanistan.
As evident, the envisioned bonhomie between Pakistan and Afghanistan, apart from resolving security issues, holds great economic prospects for both countries and the region. Therefore, the Taliban government in Afghanistan must strictly abide by the agreement reached with Pakistan and China in the tripartite talks. Afghanistan will be the biggest beneficiary of this shift in its relations with Pakistan and China.
