Afghanistan is disturbed for the last four decades almost. Millions of people were killed, millions were injured, with some of them very serious and even lifetime disabilities. Millions of people were made homeless, and forced to live in refugee camps in their own country or migrate to other countries. The infrastructure was damaged, houses were destroyed, shortage of electricity, drinking water, healthcare, failure of government rit, and worst situation of law and order, all these things have enhanced public sufferings. Humanity is suffering, Humanity is at stake! Grave situation! And the worst thing is that it seems no end to the sufferings of Afghans. A tragedy. Misery!
The current situation in Afghanistan is :
• The U.S. is about to complete the withdrawal of troops.
• Some NATO member states have already completed withdrawal.
• Peace Process is moving at an imperceptible pace.
• The level of violence has escalated, resulting in increased loss of lives and infrastructure destruction.
• Reports indicate that many Afghans are migrating in search of safety and security.
• The hope to achieve sustainable peace is flickering.
If military confrontation between the Afghan internal waring sides persists, deeper instability is visible, economic meltdown, a fresh wave of refugee influx in neighboring countries, and a rise in terrorism are unavoidable.
The peace, prosperity, and economic development of our region are interlinked. Our destinies remain intertwined. The hopes of a better future are contingent upon moving forward together, on the road to peace, stability, and progress. There are obvious limitations on how much Afghanistan’s friends and partners can do. Ultimately, it is the Afghans themselves who have to act with wisdom and foresight and in the supreme interest of the Afghan nation.
Tajikistan has hosted a meeting of the SCO contact group on Afghanistan, on14 July 202, at Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Where the member states reviewed all aspects of the Afghan situation and formulated a joint strategy to help resolve the Afghan issue peacefully and amicably, without any bloodshed. The whole world is convinced that there should be an end to bloodshed in Afghanistan and the suffering of people must reach an end. There should be sustainable peace and stability permanently. It is also a well-established fact, the solution should be Afghan-originated, Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned.
In this meeting Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shahmehmood Qureishi, suggested that how can we help :
• Strongly emphasize the imperative of a negotiated political solution.
• Stress the importance of reduction in violence and the ceasefire.
• Continue our strong support for the Afghan peace process.
• Pursue Afghan parties to proceed on the negotiating table in a meaningful, time-bound, and result-oriented way.
• Urge the parties to deliberate on future vision/roadmap for Afghanistan.
• Prevent ‘spoilers’ from derailing the process.
• Vow not to let Afghanistan become a proxy ground for regional ambitions.
• Agree to respect the decisions taken by Afghans about their future.
• Reaffirm support for long-term reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s perspective has been clear. There is no other country more desirous of peace in Afghanistan than Pakistan as no country is more deeply affected by instability in Afghanistan than Pakistan. We have no favorites in Afghanistan. We have pursued a policy of reaching out to all Afghan stakeholders and promoting a peaceful resolution.
We assisted the U.S.-Taliban direct negotiations that culminated in the and Peace Agreement signed in Doha on 29 February 2020. We also facilitated subsequent Intra-Afghan Negotiations. All in good faith and as part of shared responsibility.
Bilaterally, we have engaged with the Afghan government to support the deepening of trade and economic relations, the opening of new border crossing points, revising customs and clearance procedures, and forging closer people-to-people contacts through revised visa policy. Having hosted over 3 million Afghan refugees for over 4 decades, we remain engaged for their return to their homeland with dignity and honor. We expect the international community to support these endeavors through a well-resourced and time-bound roadmap. Pakistan is also firmly committed to pursuing a geo-economic strategy for increased integration and connectivity in the region and beyond.
Continued expansion of terrorist networks and extremist elements, nexus of narcotics and terrorism in the region, and unabated smuggling of humans and goods constitute major obstacles in realizing our common goals of peace and security. The presence of Daesh/ISIS and the merger of various terrorist organizations inside Afghanistan such as TTP, ETIM, and other terrorist groups have not only resulted in great human tragedy and political instability but also continue to add to economic uncertainty in our otherwise rich and resourceful region. These terrorist outfits also threaten Afghanistan’s neighboring countries.
This is a scenario that all SCO members must work to change. We all share the burdens of decades of conflict in Afghanistan. It is essential to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated and that sustained efforts are made for the eradication of terrorism and extremism in all forms and manifestations from the region.
The establishment and continuation of peace are strongly underpinned by economic growth and human development; domestically and regionally. An inclusive political settlement will be a win-win outcome for Afghanistan and all the countries in the region. It will yield an integrated and connected region – a dividend yearned for by the Afghans and others. At the cusp of this historic juncture in Afghanistan, let us maximize our cooperation and coordination to support the Afghan people.
This is the time that friends and partners of Afghanistan must remain closely engaged to advance shared goals and objectives. The ultimate goal is a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan.
