A group of Pakistani and Afghan Ulema, on Tuesday, appealed to the authorities on both sides to extend the pause in hostilities — which was announced for Eidul Fitr — to Eidul Azha.
In a joint statement, they said “with the joint efforts and cooperation of the esteemed public and political scholars and respected tribal leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, we are making a sincere, serious and conciliatory move towards a sustainable and dignified solution to the conflict between our two countries.” The statement said the “peace movement” would not be restricted to the appeal for an extension in the pause in fighting, but as part of this initiative, all possible “diplomatic and social efforts” would be made for a “fair and acceptable” resolution to long-standing issues between Islamabad and Kabul.
Pakistan announced a pause in operation Ghazab lil-Haq from midnight March 18-19 to midnight March 23-24 in view of Eidul Azha and in response to requests from brotherly countries of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), State of Qatar and Republic of Turkiye, which have been making sincere efforts for de-escalation of continued tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was surely a goodwill gesture and a confidence-building measure, which could contribute towards lowering of tension between the two neighbouring countries. Pakistan has clarified that the cessation of hostilities was purely temporary but it may listen to the appeal of the Ulema for restraint if no mischief is carried out by the other side. The statement of religious leaders from the two countries asserts it was not a verbal appeal but they have a commitment to working for a durable solution of the problems affecting bilateral relations. It is not clear what kind of influence these religious leaders have on the hard core regime in Kabul but there is no harm to extend the pause till Eidul Azha, allowing intending pilgrims to prepare for the religious journey to Saudi Arabia and also giving space to these clerics to make efforts aimed at de-escalation on a durable basis. It is a fact that Pakistan has no aggressive designs against Afghanistan and instead it has been extending comprehensive cooperation to Afghan people to safeguard their sovereignty, promote internal unity and overcome socio-economic challenges.
At times, Islamabad served as the lone voice of solidarity to plead the case of Afghanistan before the world community. However, degeneration started when the Kabul regime first closed its eyes towards anti-Pakistan activities of some terrorist outfits and then colluded with them in destabilizing the country. Pakistan waited for a long time in the hope of finding a diplomatic solution to the security challenge from across the Durand Line and was forced to initiate a military operation to target hideouts of such groups and their backers after terrorist attacks inside Pakistan intensified killing scores of people. Pakistan has effectively neutralized activities of the TTP elements as their network in the border areas has been extensively damaged and there are reports thousands of terrorists have relocated to safer parts of Afghanistan in the face of operation Ghazab lil-Haq. There is, therefore, an understandable pause in cross-border attacks from Afghanistan but the possibility of resumption of such activities is there once terrorists and their masters regroup and regain strength. Afghan Taliban are also under pressure from within due to increased activities of the rival groups and this explains their tacit willingness for talks but the process should not be allowed to be used merely to gain time. In their statement, the religious leaders of the two countries have claimed that their efforts were aimed at finding a solution agreeable to both sides and one that could lay the foundation of lasting stability and harmony in the region. Let them try and prove their claims.
