PERSPECTIVES FROM PAKISTAN ON AFGHAN PEACE AND RECONCILIATION 4

Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) has released its 4th quarterly monitor on Afghanistan titled “Perspectives from Pakistan on Afghan Peace and Reconciliation-IV.” It is the outcome of comprehensive monitoring and analysis of the opinions of different segments of Pakistani society and state institutions on the emerging Afghan situation and covers the period from April to June 2022.

The report covers key developments during the quarter including the growing terrorism and insecurity in the region; cross-border attacks between the two countries followed by strong statements from Afghan officials and public demonstrations against Pakistan; the on-going talks with the banned TTP group through mediation and facilitation of the Taliban; the emerging refugee crisis in the country; the rising concern for the Taliban’s policies on women education and mobility; the recognition issue and its impact on the economic situation in Afghanistan; and Pakistan’s continued humanitarian assistance to the Afghan brethren.

The quarter holds significance for it saw a change of government in Islamabad, resulting in shift from aggressive political support of the Taliban administration to more thoughtful bureaucratic engagements. The mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul has become more visible in this quarter. While Pakistan seems unhappy with the inaction of the Taliban regime against the forces using Afghan soil to plan and conduct attacks on Pakistan, the Taliban have formally protested against the airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in the Khost and Kunar districts of Afghanistan.

Reporting on bilateral and multilateral dynamics, it has been found that while the West has struggled with drawing a clear rhetoric to address the Taliban’s recent policies, the regional countries have been more expressive in this quarter. Though in the previous quarters, Western bodies and states had committed increased aid and easing of sanctions, these promises have taken a back seat in this quarter due to the Ukrainian crisis and also as their expression of disappointment with the Taliban.