It has become a new-normal for Pakistan to keep reminding Afghanistan of its responsibilities in the war against terrorism. The oblivious attitude exhibited by Kabul vis a vis Pakistan’s grievances over TTP is now becoming a serious bone of contention in their bilateralism. It is surprising that the Taliban 2.0 dispensation looks the other way and, despite pledges at international forums to act against the dreaded elements, has not been forthcoming. Perhaps, the Taliban tend to look at the canvas of yesteryears’ congeniality with the TTP, and in doing so they are risking not only regional peace and security but also their very survival, as these hounds could turn against them as well in the pursuit of their shady designs.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was apt as he reminded Kabul during the recent trilateral meeting, also involving Beijing, of the sordid affair, and rightly called for either acting against the TTP or handing them over to Pakistan. Beijing is on record to have expressed its concern time and again over terror emanating from Afghan soil, and none but the Taliban can deal with it eloquently. Multi-billion dollar developmental projects are hanging in the balance as there is lack of stability in the region owing to terror fissures. Remember apart from the TTP; ISIK, Al-Qaeda and other disgruntled elements are also well-entrenched in Afghanistan and keep on operating across the porous border inside Pakistan.
The attitude of authorities in Afghanistan towards Pakistan seems influenced by elements who want to create a wedge between the two brotherly neighbouring states. The summoning of Pakistan’s envoy in Kabul by the Afghan foreign ministry over a drone attack is a case in point. Kabul should rather stand with Islamabad on counter-terrorism operations, and nailing down the terror apparatus must top its agenda. Pakistan has been a great well-wisher of Afghanistan and continues to exhibit its magnanimity towards Afghans; and the proposal to include Kabul in CPEC is meant to assure undeterred connectivity. Time for Kabul to act against the TTP.
