LATEST developments in Afghanistan substantiate fears repeatedly expressed by Pakistan during the last several weeks that spoilers could try to undermine the peace process. Two attacks on educational institutions resulting into loss of precious lives and a nation-wide surge in violence can deal a blow to efforts being made to restore peace and stability in the war-torn country through national dialogue.
Killing of 22 people in a suicide bombing on Kabul University, one of the main universities of the country, is a stark reminder that all stakeholders will have to join hands to thwart designs of anti-peace elements that have their own agenda of keeping the pot boiling. Monday’s attack was the second time in less than two weeks that an educational institution was targeted in the capital, sparking world-wide condemnation. It is shocking that a seat of learning has been chosen for the despicable attack, reminding one of the carnages that the world witnessed during the attack on Peshwar’s Army Public School. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is abhorring but it is particularly so when mosques and educational institutions are targeted. Education of children has already suffered massively due to the phenomenon of Covid-19 and such attacks would make parents and children feel insecure. Given the complicated nature of the Afghan issue and conflicting interests of some regional and global powers, it was a foregone conclusion from the day one that spoilers would create hurdles in the way of reconciliation and maturity will have to be demonstrated to foil their designs. But remarks and reaction of the Afghan Government leadership clearly hint the enemy is succeeding in sowing seeds of discord and misunderstanding. While President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to take revenge of the blood spilled, Vice President Amrullah Saleh blamed Taliban despite the fact that no group claimed the responsibility and Taliban said they were not involved. Saleh also made mischievous remarks on Twitter when he said “We will correct our intelligence failures. But the Talibs, their like-minded satanic allies in the next door won’t be ever able to wash their conscience of this stinking and non-justifiable attack on Kabul University”. In fact, some elements within the Kabul Administration are not happy over the peace process as this could ultimately mean sharing of power and that is why they have been trying to undermine peace efforts. There are also confirmed reports of Indian hand in fanning trouble in Afghanistan and, therefore, key players must remain alert to face the challenge without harming the peace prospects.
