The Afghan-Pakistan conundrum: What are our options?

Desk

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EDITORIAL:

A few days ago, during an in camera session of the National Assembly, Army chief Gen Asim Munir made a significant observation. He pointed out that the negotiation process with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), launched under the PTI administration, had helped the militant group regroup. This is not a new observation, as similar views were expressed last week during a meeting of the National Security Committee. Both civilian and military leadership linked recent acts of terrorism to a “soft corner” for and “thoughtless policy” towards the TTP. The need for a comprehensive approach to tackling terrorism was once again emphasised.

Dealing with terrorist groups within Pakistani territory presents a range of options, but the situation becomes more complicated when militants have a safe haven in Afghanistan and can plan and launch attacks from there. Pakistan’s options in this scenario are limited, which is why Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently referred to the possibility of conducting operations inside Afghanistan to target the group.

The complexities of dealing with terrorist groups in Afghanistan require clarity on Pakistan’s options. One possibility is to rely on diplomatic efforts to persuade the Afghan government to take action against these groups. However, given the complexities of the Afghan conflict and the weak state of the Afghan government, this option may not yield the desired results.

Another option is to conduct military operations inside Afghanistan, which is a risky proposition. This would require close coordination with the Afghan government and may not be possible without the support of other regional actors such as Iran and Russia. The consequences of such an operation could also be severe, including the possibility of retaliation by the TTP and other militant groups.

A third option is to continue the policy of engaging with the Taliban, including the Haqqani network, in the hope of securing their cooperation in bringing peace to Afghanistan. This policy has been criticised by some who argue that it amounts to appeasement of the militants, but it has also been credited with facilitating the release of hostages and the opening of a channel of communication with the Taliban.

Ultimately, the situation in Afghanistan is complex and requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This includes dealing with issues such as poverty, corruption, and governance, which contribute to the instability of the region. It also requires cooperation between regional actors, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the United States and other international partners.

The recent observation of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir during a closed-door session of the National Assembly has once again brought the issue of negotiating with the TTP to the forefront. While the PTI-led government had initiated negotiations with the banned outfit, it seems that these efforts have helped the militant group regroup and carry out attacks with renewed vigor. Such concerns were also raised during a meeting of the National Security Committee where recent acts of terrorism were linked to a “soft corner” for and “thoughtless policy” towards the TTP.

It is evident that a comprehensive approach is needed to effectively tackle terrorism in Pakistan. However, one critical issue that needs clarity is how Pakistan can deal with terrorist groups that have a safe haven in Afghanistan and launch attacks from there. While there are a few options available, it seems that the choices are limited. It is perhaps for this reason that Defense Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at the possibility of going inside Afghanistan to target the group.

However, such a move would be unwise and would only complicate matters further. Violating another country’s sovereignty to go after terrorists is not the way to deal with the issue. The fact that this option was not discussed during the in camera briefing is an indication that other avenues are being explored to weaken the militant base.

Pakistan must hold Kabul’s rulers accountable for their earlier promises of preventing terrorists from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against other countries. It is essential to work with regional states to build up pressure on Kabul and send the same message. After all, it is not only Pakistan that faces a threat from militant groups next door.

At the same time, the state should not compromise its stance of not holding talks with the militants as long as they continue with their unconstitutional demands. It is critical to stay committed to the goals set by NAP/NAP II to ensure that terrorism is eradicated.

It is essential to learn from past mistakes and stay committed to the goal of eliminating terrorism. The previous military leadership had favored talks with the TTP, which proved to be a mistake. This time, the state and government must show commitment to the goals set by NAP/NAP II and work towards eradicating terrorism.

While it is evident that mainstream media can be controlled, social media cannot be. This reality presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the state. On one hand, social media can be used to counter extremist narratives and promote a more positive image of Pakistan. On the other hand, it also presents a challenge as extremist groups use social media platforms to recruit new members and spread their message.

The PTI’s social media team has played a crucial role in countering extremist narratives and promoting a positive image of Pakistan. Their use of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to engage with the public has been commendable. The team’s characteristics, including their ability to think creatively and strategically, have allowed them to develop effective social media campaigns that resonate with the public.

Regardless, it is important to note that PTI is not an organic party. The party’s social media team has been accused of spreading disinformation and propaganda. There have been reports of paid trolls and bots being used to manipulate public opinion. Such tactics are not only unethical but also counterproductive as they erode the public’s trust in the party and the state.

It is critical to promote a more transparent and honest approach to social media engagement. The state and political parties must work towards developing a code of ethics for social media engagement that promotes transparency and honesty. This will not only help counter extremist narratives but also build the public’s trust in the state and political parties.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s fight against terrorism requires a multi-faceted approach that includes diplomatic efforts, military action, and socio-economic development. While the situation is complex, it’s important to remain firm in the face of extremist threats, and to work towards building a more peaceful and stable region. By doing so, Pakistan can ensure its own security and contribute to the broader goal of regional stability.