THE policy statement given by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations Munir Akram is a sharp reminder that the country’s patience is thinning out due to non-cooperation of the Taliban Government in addressing the menace of terrorism in an effective manner. He told the world body on Thursday that any process of engagement with the Afghan interim government should be conducted on the basis of the action it takes against terrorist outfits including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He warned that otherwise we will see the recurrence and proliferation of terrorism from Afghanistan as happened prior to 9/11, threatening not only the region but the entire world.
Pakistan pleaded the cause of the Afghan people for decades, opposing a military solution of the problem of extremism and terrorism and urging a political settlement based on respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and integrity. It supported all moves aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict and the Qatar Accord between the Taliban and the United States was reached with the active involvement of Pakistan. As the world viewed the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2013 skeptically, Pakistan argued that it offered an opportunity for establishment of a strong government with effective control over all parts of the country which augurs well for peace, security and stability of the neighbouring country. The majority of the countries of the globe opposed having any economic or commercial links with Kabul and seizure of Afghanistan’s assets crippled working of the new government and compounded the difficulties of Afghan people. Pakistan took the lead in providing much-needed humanitarian assistance and the situation eased out when some other countries like China came forward to provide humanitarian aid. Pakistan has also been urging other countries to change their policies and engage with the Taliban Government, which is a reality. However, the Taliban stabbed in the back of Pakistan by closing their eyes to the hostile activities of the TTP terrorists that are living comfortably in Afghanistan. The issue has caused friction in bilateral relations and the situation might exacerbate if the Taliban continued to ignore justified demands of Pakistan for a verifiable action against Afghanistan-based terrorists. Pakistan has now conditioned the process of engagement with the Afghan interim government to its response to the core concerns of the international community: respect for human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls; political inclusivity and action to neutralize the terrorist organizations in Afghanistan not only Daesh, but also the TTP and other entities which threaten the security of Afghanistan’s neighbours. The world community should also give priority attention to the demand of Pakistan for a UN-led inquiry to determine how sophisticated weapons made their way to TTP terrorists.
