Article Type

Article

Description

Several significant developments have taken place in Afghanistan in the past few months that require fresh thinking and a review of the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. First, most of the Nato forces have withdrawn from Afghanistan while the presence of US forces has been considerably reduced and largely limited to support and training of the Afghan National Army. Second, the general elections in Afghanistan were successfully conducted with a large turnout and the majority of the population participated in this peaceful democratic transition. Third, the newly elected President Ashraf Ghani enjoys excellent credentials and is committed to the economic development of his country. He has therefore formed a national unity government with his opponent Abdullah Abdullah as chief executive. Fourth, the new leadership has engaged in a highly constructive, candid and mutually rewarding dialogue with Pakistan setting at rest the confrontational role of the previous government. Fifth, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership have demonstrated not only through words but actions that they are fully committed to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Pakistan did not show any preference for any political party, ethnic group or presidential candidates at the time of the general elections. Sixth, Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to work together to eliminate militant groups responsible for terrorist activities and that have been using the ‘other’ country as a safe haven for their activities.

Publication Source

Dawn

Publication Date

2-14-2015

Pages

1-3

Download

Included in

Economics Commons

Share

COinS