Prime Minister Imran Khan has said Pakistan is pushing for a political settlement in Afghanistan before US troops leave later this year. There are growing concerns that an all-out civil war will erupt in the war-ravaged nation which will also affect Pakistan.
Afghanistan has witnessed a sharp rise in violence since the United States announced to withdraw troops, seeing it a victory against the invading forces. This has stalled the peace process as the Taliban are now resisting reaching a political settlement. The Afghan Taliban are seeking a return to power and want to topple the current regime, raising fears of a return to the ultra-conservative style of governance.
PM Imran Khan said that ever since the Americans gave a date to leave Afghanistan, the Taliban feel they have won the war. Pakistan has expressed concern that it would have face the fallout if a civil war breaks out in Afghanistan. This could also lead to a severe refugee crisis which the world will be unable to handle and the burden will certainly fall on Pakistan. We are already hosting more than three million refugees and an influx will be unwelcomed this time around.
The prime minister also maintained that Pakistan desires to have a friendly government in Afghanistan chosen by the Afghan people. However, the failure to reach a political settlement or a peace deal will end the war in a stalemate. This will certainly allow the Taliban to take over the country, eroding the democratic gains and progress on women’s rights. As the clock ticks and deadline looms, it is imperative on all sides to carve out a political settlement to avoid more bloodshed.
Pakistan has said that a sudden withdrawal was not ideal as it would be made a scapegoat once the Americans leave. The fears of a security vacuum have been growing since the peace process remains inconclusive. Pakistan has made several efforts to push all stakeholders return to the negotiating table but no progress has been made so far.
Ordinary Afghans still see no respite as they could face yet more conflict and internal strife even after three decades of war. Pakistan will also have to develop its strategy for the future after the American’s departure to handle the impending crisis.
