ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government has to regain control over national security and foreign policy from the military as now is the time to improve relations with Afghanistan, a report says.
In its latest report, Resetting Pakistan’s Relations with Afghanistan, the International Crisis Group (ICG) examines the opportunities and constraints faced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government as it attempts to improve a deeply troubled relationship with Kabul.
Realising that his goal to stabilise Pakistan’s faltering economy will remain elusive in the absence of security, Nawaz Sharif has reached out to Afghanistan, hoping to reduce bilateral tensions and contribute to stabilising post-transition Afghanistan, and thus improving Pakistan’s own stability.
But Nawaz Sharif’s approach, welcomed by the incoming Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, faces serious challenges at home. “Pakistan’s civilian leadership is well aware that the country’s security is best served by a stable Afghanistan. It has taken some initial steps towards stronger bilateral ties and should continue on this path,” says Samina Ahmed, South Asia Project Director.
“If Afghanistan stabilises, so will its economy, with the resultant expansion in bilateral and transit trade benefiting Pakistan.”
The report’s major findings and recommendations are: As the Nawaz Sharif government attempts to reduce bilateral tensions, much depends on its will and ability to wrest political space from the military.
The military high command continues to hedge its bets, either actively or tacitly supporting a revived insurgency, which threatens to undermine Afghanistan’s transition. Recent anti-government demonstrations have strengthened the military’s ability to extract concessions, likely including with regard to policy towards Afghanistan.
While the military’s control over security policy remains an impediment, there are nevertheless significant opportunities for improved relations.
Pakistani-Afghan economic ties could be strengthened to mutual benefit if both countries improved and expanded their infrastructure, including road and rail links connecting the two countries; reduced cumbersome security measures; and eased cross-border movement. INTERNEWS
