The recent comments made by Pakistan’s Special Representative, Mr. Asif Durrani, concerning Afghanistan’s security and economic situation are both provocative and misaligned with the ground realities, seemingly aimed at misleading the public perception regarding Afghanistan.
In fact, the issues and concerns he attributed to Afghanistan are more likely seen in Pakistan.
Afghanistan is now a safe and stable country, focused on achieving economic self-sufficiency by utilising its own resources rather than being reliant on foreign loans and aid.
The Afghan government has successfully neutralised the ISIS-KP, insurgent group, within Afghanistan. However, addressing ISIS-kp hideouts along the theoretical Durand Line could lead to the complete elimination of this threat.
It’s worth noting that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue is an internal matter of Pakistan, requiring a domestic solution. The Afghan government has already shown its goodwill to by taking tangible actions to foster positive relations. Thereafter, Pakistan’s effective agencies should adopt rational and pragmatic approaches to address this issue.
Mr. Durrani should know that it is the responsibility of diplomats to ensure that provocative media statements do not jeopardise the relations of the two countries