Dr Bilawal Kamran

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province sharing a long border with Afghanistan, faces direct consequences from cross-border terrorism and shares deep cultural, linguistic, and tribal ties with the Afghan people. Given this proximity, it is understandable that KP has a vested interest in fostering peace and stability with Afghanistan. However, the question arises: how should Pakistan manage foreign policy in a way that balances provincial interests with national unity? While provincial input is essential, particularly from those bordering neighboring countries, foreign policy negotiations should ultimately remain the prerogative of the federal government. This is especially pertinent as the KP government, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeks to engage the Afghan Taliban in direct talks.

In a recent meeting with the Afghan Taliban consul-general, KP’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reiterated his government’s plan to initiate dialogue through a tribal jirga once the terms of reference (TORs) are approved by the federal government. While Gandapur’s assertion that negotiations are essential for peace is hard to disagree with, the approach to conducting these negotiations and who takes the lead requires careful consideration.

The KP government has long advocated for opening channels of communication with the Afghan Taliban. This notion of “tribal diplomacy” was raised by Gandapur during a meeting two weeks ago, and a similar proposal was put forward last year. With the complexities surrounding Afghanistan’s current political landscape, the PTI-led provincial government sees dialogue, rather than confrontation, as the best route forward. Given the province’s proximity to Afghanistan, it is in KP’s strategic interest to maintain stable relations with Kabul and address concerns about cross-border terrorism and the impact it has on local communities.

The shared cultural, tribal, and linguistic ties between the people of KP and Afghanistan make the case for a unique form of engagement. But while provincial concerns are valid and important, the execution of foreign policy—especially in sensitive matters such as Afghanistan—requires a more unified approach to avoid fragmentation of national interests.

While the desire for local involvement in matters directly affecting KP is understandable, foreign policy negotiations should remain a responsibility of the central government. The nature of international relations requires a coordinated strategy, where all provincial concerns are acknowledged but not allowed to undermine the broader goals of national cohesion and security. This is particularly important when dealing with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, where political instability and security concerns can have regional implications.

Currently, Pakistan’s political landscape is fragmented, with different parties in power at the provincial level and at the center. If each province were to independently pursue foreign relations or negotiate with neighboring states, it could lead to disjointed and conflicting policies that harm Pakistan’s overall diplomatic standing. This risk is particularly high when dealing with a country like Afghanistan, where the political situation is volatile, and dialogue is already difficult due to the complex historical, cultural, and security issues involved.

The challenge lies in ensuring that provincial input, like that from KP, is taken into account, without allowing these inputs to derail national foreign policy objectives. While the provincial governments should have a say in matters that affect them directly, the central government must be the driving force in formulating and executing the country’s foreign policy.

The KP government has made it clear that any dialogue with the Afghan Taliban will remain “aligned with security and foreign policies.” This is a sensible approach, and the best way to ensure this alignment is for the federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lead the peace initiative. Professional diplomats who are well-versed in international relations, along with elected representatives and provincial administrations, should guide the process. This ensures that any initiatives undertaken by KP or any other province are in line with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy objectives.

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The importance of maintaining this alignment cannot be overstated. Foreign policy decisions, especially when it comes to neighboring countries like Afghanistan, have long-lasting effects on national security, regional relations, and the country’s international reputation. Any deviation from a unified approach could lead to confusion, miscommunication, or, worse, an erosion of national interests.

While KP has legitimate reasons to seek direct engagement with Afghanistan, especially in addressing security concerns that affect the province, allowing provinces to independently chart their course in foreign affairs would create more problems than it would solve. Foreign policy requires a clear, coherent approach that reflects the national interest and fosters unity both within the country and in its dealings with foreign powers.

The potential consequences of provinces pursuing their own foreign policy initiatives are severe. For one, it could lead to inconsistencies in how Pakistan interacts with its neighbors. For example, KP’s approach might conflict with policies adopted by other provinces or the federal government, weakening Pakistan’s bargaining position on the international stage. Furthermore, the risk of alienating key partners, such as Afghanistan, or making diplomatic missteps increases when various provincial interests are pursued independently.

In addition to this, foreign policy is a highly sensitive and specialized domain that requires expertise in diplomacy, negotiation, and international law. While provincial governments are best placed to handle internal matters that affect their localities, foreign policy requires experience and a deep understanding of global geopolitics. It is not a field where ad hoc, region-specific measures can substitute for a carefully crafted, national strategy.

As Pakistan continues to navigate its relationship with Afghanistan, it is crucial that both the federal government and the provinces work in tandem to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed. While KP’s push for dialogue with the Afghan Taliban is valid, it must be done within the broader framework of national foreign policy.

The federal government must maintain leadership in directing foreign policy, ensuring that it reflects the collective interests of the country as a whole, while also incorporating the specific needs of provinces like KP. This requires a balanced approach that fosters cooperation between the center and the provinces, without allowing one province to steer the ship of foreign diplomacy alone.

In conclusion, while KP’s desire to engage with Afghanistan through dialogue and tribal diplomacy is understandable, foreign policy should remain firmly under the control of the federal government. The provincial administration, particularly in KP, should certainly be consulted and their input valued, but it is the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that all diplomatic efforts are cohesive and aligned with Pakistan’s broader strategic objectives.

A fragmented approach to foreign policy would not only undermine Pakistan’s national interests but also risk creating diplomatic confusion that could destabilize relations with neighboring countries, especially Afghanistan. Therefore, a unified, coordinated approach is essential to Pakistan’s long-term success in navigating its complex relationship with Afghanistan and other neighboring states.