Pakistan Prime Minister, Premier Shahbaz Sharif in connection with the SCO Council of heads meeting has held a series of meetings and talks with fellow counterparts from various Central Asian Republics (CAR). Main purpose of such talks and meetings is to think of ways and means for entering into cordial diplomatic and trade links with each other. All sides agreed but they ignored the main hurdle – which lies in war-troubled Afghanistan which is in control of Taliban and these Taliban are reluctant to go along with the rest of the world and bent up on running affairs of the country according to their own interpretation of Islam.
No one can deny the fact that Afghanistan is surrounded by at least seven different countries. Most of these countries are Central Asians but beside Pakistan it also included China and Islamic Republic of Iran. Not only today when Taliban’s are in government but Afghanistan’s relations remain cordial with all these neighboring countries except Pakistan. It is ironic Pakistan is uncomfortable with Afghanistan whereas its blue-eyed Taliban are in power. Un-cordial relations between the two neighboring countries might be a big issue before mighty junta’s at Islamabad and Kabul who remain in close links with each other, even each other’s dependents since mid 90’s.
Afghanistan remained attractive destination for traders from all Central Asian countries
Historically united India, especially its North Western regions including the present Afghanistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan remained attractive destinations for traders and businessmen from all Central Asian countries. All such trade and traveling links between CAR and united India remained intact till the beginning of 20th century but were affected with the Soviet socialist revolution. However, despite pressures, threats and opposition from British colonialism, Afghanistan has maintained all of its trade, political and diplomatic relations till the previous 90’s. After the dismantling of the Taliban regime, former President Hamid Karzai had restored these links in 2002. With little changes and short intervals, still Taliban continue cordial and smooth trade links with all CAR and other neighboring countries including Islamic Republic of Iran. However, position of Pakistan is different as anger and tension between Islamabad and Kabul is aggravating day by day due to certain issues including Taliban’s determination of settling internal and external issues through their own yardsticks and rejecting demands of surrendering or extraditing banned TTP elements to Pakistan.
Pakistan wants to enter into trade business links with different CAR through Afghanistan
Pakistan after re-empowering the Taliban in Kabul had initiated efforts for entering into trade business links with different Central Asian Republics. The move remained very fruitful when trade convoys exchanged and touched its destinations on both sides in 2022 and 2023. Besides pulses, beans, fresh fruits and other commercial goods, Pakistan received dozens of containers loaded with coal and liquid gasses. Traders and consumers from Pakistan have jubilated exploration or restoration of such trade routes. But the trade links or imports and exports between Pakistan and CAR couldn’t be groomed further due to relations with Afghanistan. Torkham and Chaman considered most busy and important corridors frequent and prolonged closure, skirmishes and even encounters between security forces and war of words between personnel and officers from both sides are now considered routine matters, which are definitely affecting not only trade matters between the two neighboring countries especially sabotaging all efforts aimed at strengthening Pakistan trade and business links with CAR states.
Afghanistan playing key role in South and Central Asian economy
No one can deny the fact that Afghanistan is playing a key role in the South and Central Asian economy. Almost all regional countries, its rulers, policy makers and economists are realizing these facts but they are helpless before US lead allies, engaged in efforts aimed at establishing its own or group influence in this particular region. Though Pakistan is considered the most important tool in implementation of US lead allies policies in the region, most of its people, people from trade, business and industrial sectors and even politicians are thinking on different lines – they want and prefer cordial relations with neighboring and regional countries. And for this purpose, the voice for peace and tranquility in Afghanistan has been raised unanimously by majority from the last four decades.
Pakistan proves itself as trustworthy ally of US
Pakistan’s mighty rulers – known as the military establishment – has proved itself as a trustworthy ally of the US. Besides playing a key role in the US lead alliance, Pakistan’s certain circles made and even made the best of exploiting the situation in its favor. Pakistan through its powerful military establishment is making efforts to establish its own influence in the region. In this respect, Pakistan is eyeing on prolonged conflict in Afghanistan. Like previous Peshawar – manufactured Jehadi leaders, now Taliban are also reluctant to compromise sovereignty and solidarity of Afghanistan – which is considered the main hurdle in strengthening of regional trade links, especially trade links of Pakistan with CAR states.
In the wake of meaningless involvement in prolonged conflict and influencing Afghanistan’s internal and external affairs, Pakistan must read on the wall. On the issue of Afghanistan, Pakistan has not only lost its control over internal security but its image at global level is also at stake. Instead, remaining mum over affairs of Afghanistan, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif must initiate efforts for establishing friendship with Afghanistan. Policy makers in Rawalpindi Islamabad also need to realize that the US had and is playing like masters not as a friend. Instead of remaining loyal and obedient to masters, Pakistan must hunt for friends. Finding friends could be more fruitful in strengthening regional trade, especially trade links with CAR countries, which may be helpful in settling almost economic hardships and other issues.
