Over the past year, in comprehensive, concerted efforts, various permutations and combinations have been tried out for Afghan peace, but all endeavours have stalled at one stubborn constant, the Taliban unwillingness to talk with representatives of the ‘puppet’ Afghan regime. Last week in Kabul, the special envoy also spoke along similar lines regarding an ‘inclusive’ Afghan negotiating team, comprising the government, opposition, women, youth and civil society. Intra-Afghan dialogue now tops the list of ‘to do’s’ for moving forward. Pakistan is genuinely committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan in its own national interest, and has contributed its share, as acknowledged by the US. But the recent over-reaction in Kabul at Prime Minister Imran Khan’s well-meant but misinterpreted remarks regarding ‘neutral interim government’, highlighted deep, still-lingering distrust and ill-founded doubts about otherwise sincere intentions.

Source: Pakistan Today April 06, 2019 20:15 UTC