PM’s maiden Afghan visit

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be making his first visit to Afghanistan ever since assuming office. The expectations for the visit would be high as both countries are seeking to improve fraternal ties as Afghanistan prepares for a new future.

The prime minister is expected to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and discuss a wide range of bilateral issues along with the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. Both sides have held regular exchanges including the recent visit of chief Afghan negotiator Abdullah Abdullah and the Afghan speaker and commerce minister along with parliamentary exchanges.

Commerce advisor AbdurRazakDawood has just concluded his Afghan visit leading a trade delegation where they discussed investment matters and made progress on the transit trade agreement. Despite the pandemic, Pakistan has opened visa services for Afghan citizens, students and others seeking medical care. The sides held extensive trade talks to integrate the economies of both countries by enhancing trade and investment.

The visit comes just ahead of outgoing US President Trump’s promise to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Trump announced to reduce troops to 4,500 but stopped short of a full withdrawal amid strong opposition from the military, allies and his party. Trump had vowed to bring back troops by Christmas but like all promises, they will be left unfulfilled as he prepares to leave office.

US President-elect Joe has a huge task ahead to maintain control and stability in the war-ravaged country. Peace has not been restored and there are frequent incidents of violence such as the horrific attack at Kabul University in which sixteen students were massacred. The Taliban have denied responsibility and have said that they expect Biden to abide by the peace deal signed in Qatar.

The intra-Aghan peace process has come to a halt as the Afghan government and Taliban cannot agree to a political setup. Ordinary Afghan have yearned for peace but the prospect of a return to brutal Taliban rule will create mayhem. Pakistan should be wary of an Afghan fallout after the US withdrawal. Pakistan and Afghanistan need to improve ties before Indians seize the moment to fill the void that will be left by the Americans.