Pakistan's overtures for peace in Afghanistan have been criticized in the past but in the near past they have borne fruit and applauded. Following the visit of Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif to Kabul, the first round of quadrilateral meeting of Pakistan, Afghanistan, United States and China would be held on January 16 to work out a comprehensive road map for the second round of Afghan peace process.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kabul saw him blackball Pakistan, charging it with sponsoring terrorism. he also presented Afghanistan with two Gunship Helicopters but to appease Pakistan and make sure that Nawaz Sharif or Pakistan's Armed Forces do not raise a hue and cry, he made a surprise visit to Lahore and Raiwind.
Pakistan needs to be wary of Indian machinations while going forward with the Quadrilateral Meetings process with Pakistan, the United States and China facilitating the Afghan Government and Taliban..
The Pakistani COAS's visit to Kabul was very successful as he talked to the Afghan leadership on various issues, including the
reconciliation process, intelligence sharing and border management. However, the leaks from Afghan government indicate that they demand adherence to the constitution, the laying down of arms by the Taliban and no mention of an Afghan Emirate.
Placing preconditions on the talks would be a non starter. Majority of Taliban groups are in favour of talks and the reconciliation process should not be affected due to
the minority. It was agreed that Pakistan would pursue the Taliban groups willing to join the peace process to come to the negotiating table.
A hotline has been established between Afghanistan and Pakistan for better border management.
Participants:
Brig. Ishaq Khattak (Defence Analyst)
Jan Achakzai (Political Analyst)
Host: S. M. Hali