Pakistan-Afghanistan Ties Positive Signals

Over the last few decades, the history of the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is one covered with suspicion, border clashes, and the dark legacy of militancy. More specifically there has been the use of Afghan soil by the elements who are hostile to Pakistan which has always caused a source of friction between the two neighbours. However, over these struggles, there has, in recent times, been some ray of hope and there may have been some positive shift in the bilateral relations. This is an encouraging message as Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Fitrat delivered a positive and prospective message in one of the most noteworthy statements. He assured that they would never use their territory against Pakistan and stressed on the eagerness of Kabul on matters of diplomatic, economic cooperations, and regional cooperation. This act, when complimented by concrete measures, would serve as a turning point in relationship between the two nations which are characterized by the proverbial acrimony.

Forging a new diplomatic path

It is a mature and politically sophisticated stance in reiterating what Fitrat stated earlier that Afghanistan soil will not be used to intimidate or destabilise the Pakistani security. In the case of Pakistan, this assures a key national security issue. Transborder terrorism operations based on Afghanistan was a recurrence and it leads to forceful reactions and disharmony in international diplomacy. An open and transparent agreement by Kabul to ensure that its territory is not used against Pakistan as an avenue to launch attacks is a good sign of shifting gears that will encompass accountability and mutual understanding. It is more than lip service and such a stand are one of commitment to coexistence which the region has failed to attain over a long time.

Islamabad and Kabul are Drawing a Line on Mistrust

Such public commitments by a leader are very critical as it shows maturity among the leaders especially in the political arena in Afghanistan. Instead of evading blame or ducking responsibility, what Fitrat has said is an indication of the relevance of a stable and cooperative India Pakistan ties. Such a readiness to maintain honest dialogue and acknowledge each other concerns creates the atmosphere of peace. Moreover, Empathetic realism both can and should influence the rhetoric of politics, which is capable of regenerating regional discourse. Talking specifically about friendship and cooperation, the Afghan leadership has made a serious impulse to develop trust, which is a vital commodity in conducting regional politics.

The second good indicator is the improvement of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan to the ambassadorship level. This is not a formal formality; this reflects the mutual willingness to enhance the communication inside the institutional structures and maintain the official conversation in the upper thresholds. Besides, regional and international security usually relies on high level and focused communications. Therefore, resuming ambassadorial representation appears as a shared willingness to restore suspicion with ongoing cooperation. Trade of ambassadors may be used as a platform to control the disputes, improve cooperation and avoid the development of misinterpretations to the crisis level.

Furthermore, other than the political arena, economic cooperation is also finding place as the new common ground between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The fact that the Islamic Emirate has pledged to underpin regional development efforts including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline is a clear indication that Kabul is willing to play the role of a stakeholder in regional myopia. In the case of Pakistan, such involvement would be more than welcome; it is desperately needed. TAPI and others are lifelines of the economy of Afghanistan, which at the same time is giving Pakistan energy reserves and connectivity. These common projects can set the bilateral ties on realistic interests that do not cut across political disputes and they can bring economic gains to both the countries.

Notably, the fact that Kabul has accepted these realities and has given Pakistan credit of facilitating the trade routes and access to the world markets is also a spirit of close collaboration. Historically, Pakistan serves as the entry point of Afghan products as well as the availability of the sea and land routes. It is not only an indication of dependence of Afghanistan on Pakistan in terms of trade but there is also an opportunity of greater economic interdependence. Once these interdependencies are understood and built into institutions, then incentives to continue with peace and cooperation become very strong.

Additionally, the positive wording of Fitrat on the questions of refugees indicates the readiness to pave the way of resolving one of the challenges of humanitarian situations in the region based on dialogue, not clash. Working under its own socioeconomic limitation, Pakistan has to date managed to host millions of Afghanistan refugees by sheltering them, providing them with education, and even health services. The shift to a more bilateral and constructive approach to the problem of refugees may turn this burden into a collective one based on empathy and regulated by organized cooperation.

Naturally, like all diplomatic talks, what matters is not what is said but how it is done. They should be accompanied by other ground actions that can be seen and verified with words however well intended. Afghanistan must prove that it is committed by ensuring that there are no sanctuaries of militants, decisively responding to anti-Pakistan groups and increases intelligence sharing. Security of western border of Pakistan cannot simply be secured by mere rhetoric promises. On the same note, Pakistani government must also respond in kind by leaving communication lines open and providing an avenue to further economic and humanitarian cooperation.

Pakistan on its part has always asserted that its desire is to have peaceful, sovereign and mutually respectful ties with Afghanistan. Its position is principled as denoted in its diplomatic engagements, facilitation of cross border trade and the readiness to play on multilateral forums. The declaration by Fitrat gives a great chance to Pakistan to revive bilateral systems, renew jointed forums, and build long term structures of collaboration in security, commerce, infrastructure, and individual associations.

The positive turn in the tone of the recent statement Kabul represents can and should be welcomed by Pakistan. The historical grievances and issues of security may not disappear tomorrow, yet predication to communication, respecting one another and development together, can provide the footing of more stable and prosperous relationship. The area badly requires the tales of healing and development. Peaceful Afghanistan which no longer threatens its neighbours, and self-confident Pakistan as a guarantor of peace in the region could determine the new history of South Central Asia. This way forward will not be easy, though honesty and continued efforts will provide this moment in goodwill to be the first step in a more harmonious future.