Dr Qamar Cheema interviewed Abdul Basit a prominent expert on Afghanistan. During the conversation, the key focus was on Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Afghan policy.
Key Points:
- The formulation of foreign policies based on subjective perspectives and personal desires poses inherent challenges, reflecting the broader complexity of decision-making in Pak Afghan relations.
- Maintaining policy coherence over time proves challenging in the ever-evolving landscape of Pakistan-Afghan relations, showcasing the difficulty of sustaining a consistent approach to foreign policy matters.
- The academic discourse emphasises the importance of evaluating policies based on tangible outcomes rather than mere intentions, acknowledging the far-reaching impact on affected populations of Afghan Refugees and global geopolitical dynamics.
- Examining the impact of international relations on strategic alliances provides a general understanding of the intricate dynamics involved, considering the roles played by various actors and their implications for global partnerships.
- The analysis of diplomatic strategies and the consequences of missed opportunities reflects the broader considerations inherent in engagements between Pakistan and Afghanistan, underlining the need for adept navigation of complex negotiations.
While talking about Afghan Policy Dr. Cheema asked Abdul Basit about Pakistan’s policy towards Afghanistan. Do you believe the 60 years spent in Afghanistan have been wasted?
Abdul Basit said that Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy is a subjective matter. When one deviates from reality, shapes policies based on personal desires, and propagates misleading narratives, such as labelling the Taliban in Afghanistan as good while portraying Pakistanis as the bad Taliban, it becomes challenging to comprehend Pakistan’s actual policy towards Afghanistan. The current frustration and tough stance are a reaction to the unmet expectations of a secure region and the elimination of terrorism with Taliban support. Both the past and present policies are flawed. Initially, when the world sought support against terrorism, Pakistan followed a different trajectory, and now, in geopolitical irrelevance, we are ready to confront them. Our historical approach towards Afghanistan has been consistently wrong – soft when the world was tough and now hard when the world is soft on Afghanistan.
For example, the U.S. is shifting from a hardcore stance to a more accommodative one. I am unable to fathom our strategic community’s thinking and the rationale behind such shifts. The current policy, driven by anger and frustration, is a blunder if compared to the previous one. We have eradicated any goodwill that existed for Pakistan in Afghanistan. If we look at history, the group that stood against the U.S. to protect Osama Bin Laden is now in power. How can we expect them to assist in curbing the TTP while in power?
Dr. Qamar Cheema asked that given this perspective, do you believe the Pakistan establishment lacks understanding, and what is the on-ground assessment of the situation?
Abdul Basit said that olicies are judged based on outcomes, and history is measured by its failures and successes. Both of Pakistan’s policies towards Afghanistan have failed, evident in the suffering of an entire generation of Afghans who became victims of terrorism. Wrong allegations were placed on them, tarnishing the image of innocents. It is unclear how our strategic community interpreted the situation and formulated policies. It appears we are attempting to exert pressure, but this strategy has backfired and is likely to do so again due to undue haste.
Dr. Qamar Cheema asked Abdul Basit, how would he assess the impact of the dynamics of international relations on Pakistan’s alliances, especially with the inclusion of actors like Qatar and the UAE. Additionally, in your analysis, how do you see unsuccessful policies contributing to economic instability and political uncertainty in Abdul Basit?
Abdul Basit contends that Pakistan lacked a coherent and significant policy, relying on the assumption that the presence of the Taliban in the country would resolve its issues. Instead of collaborating with the international community in the fight against the Taliban, Pakistan chose to segregate them into ‘good’ and ‘bad,’ refusing to combat the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on its soil. The current reversal of this policy, with Pakistan now willing to engage with the TTP, raises questions about the consistency of its approach.
Dr Cheema asked how do you perceive Kabul’s astuteness in characterizing the Doha deal as primarily an American-Taliban agreement. |He suggested that there was a missed opportunity for Pakistan to engage in intelligent negotiations with the Taliban in Doha. In your analysis, how might such discussions have addressed crucial issues like the goals of the TTP in Pakistan, the status of the Durand Line, India’s influence in Afghanistan, and the future of refugees?
As the discussion unfolds, Dr Cheema raised the question: What if Afghan Talebans prioritize TTP over Pakistan? Abdul Basit responded by cautioning against retaliating against refugees, emphasizing that ruthless deportations erode goodwill in Kabul and alienate an entire Afghan generation. The need for a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s three-decade-long unsuccessful policies is emphasized, along with accountability for allowing the TTP to repatriate.
Abdul Basit discussed concerns about China’s silence and potential disengagement from Pakistan. He recommended collaborative efforts with like-minded regional powers—China, Russia, and Central Asian nations—to exert pressure on Afghanistan collectively, rather than unilateral actions.
Abdul Basit’s further critique centres on Pakistan’s border security issues, with an observation that the establishment’s focus on politics over security measures may be detrimental. A counterterrorism role for the army is advocated, coupled with a call for a comprehensive review of the deportation policy, recognizing its potential to exacerbate terrorism.
The conversation concluded with a call for a national consensus and parliamentary articulation of a new Afghan policy. Addressing questions regarding the TTP, Afghan Talebans, and refugees requires careful consideration and collaboration among stakeholders. Dr. Cheema foresees complications and a potential humanitarian crisis, acknowledging the complexity of the situation but emphasizing the necessity for decisions based on national interests. The evolving narrative contemplates Pakistan’s trajectory in the turbulent Afghan landscape.
