Let’s celebrate the Pak-Afghan peace first as New Delhi’s dream to destabilise Pakistan has, once again, turned into a nightmare. The decades-old relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been a mixture of fraternal affinity, strategic necessity, and political turbulence. At a time when tensions between the two neighbours had reached a critical high, it is a welcome development that both sides have chosen dialogue over confrontation. The successful conclusion of the first round of ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar, resulting in a mutually agreed ceasefire, marks not just a diplomatic breakthrough — but a potentially transformative moment for the entire region.
However, the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan has once again exposed the enduring fragility of regional peace and the severe cost of disunity within Pakistan’s own political framework. These are not ordinary times. We face a convergence of national security, political instability, and foreign policy challenges — and yet, we continue to operate without a unified voice on matters of national interest.
At a time when Pakistan faces serious internal and external threats — from the resurgence of militant activity on the western border to economic headwinds and increasing regional pressure — the absence of consensus among key stakeholders is deeply worrying. A recent high-level national security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was not attended by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province at the front-lines of this conflict. Such political posturing at the cost of national interest is not just inappropriate — it is dangerous.
The Perils of Disunity
When provinces are directly affected by cross-border terrorism and migration, their presence in national forums is not optional — it is essential. The absence of the KP Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, from this critical meeting reflects not just political indifference but an alarming disregard for national cohesion. Whether his absence was linked to party politics or personal grievances, it highlights a larger problem: Pakistan continues to make key decisions on core national interests in isolation, often behind closed doors, without the participation of all stakeholders.
A sustainable national policy — especially on issues as sensitive as relations with Afghanistan — must be forged through consensus, transparency, and inclusivity. No institution, party, or individual can unilaterally decide Pakistan’s core interests. That time has long passed. For any durable solution to take root, all corners of society — provinces, political actors, civil society, and the military — must have a seat at the table.
The UN Report and the Reality on the Ground
The recent UN report highlighting the resurgence of militant groups in Afghanistan, warning that they now pose a threat not just to Pakistan but to the broader region, should not come as a surprise. However, I do not attach excessive importance to UN reports. The UN has a long history of selective silence in the face of atrocities — from Palestine to Kashmir — and its credibility remains deeply compromised.
Where was the UN when Israel flattened Gaza, killing tens of thousands of innocent civilians, rendering millions homeless? Where was the urgency then? And yet, when it comes to Afghanistan, the UN raises alarms. Are extremist groups present in Afghanistan? Certainly. Are former jihadist networks and anti-Pakistan elements using Afghan soil? Most likely. But selective narratives do little to help regional peace. If the UN is sincere, it must hold all violators accountable — including those backed by powerful global players.
China as Mediator: A Welcome Move
One of the few positive developments in this tense environment is China’s quiet but deliberate emergence as a potential mediator. I welcome this development wholeheartedly. There is no space for war between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both are Islamic nations, bound by history, culture, language, and geography. The idea that they should engage in direct conflict is not just unacceptable — it is absurd.
Any actor — domestic or foreign — attempting to ignite flames of war between Kabul and Islamabad is an enemy of both peoples. In contrast, China’s entry into the equation could be a game-changer. With its Belt and Road Initiative, regional economic stakes, and growing global influence, China is well-positioned to facilitate a resolution. If the U.S. can engage militarily and diplomatically across Central Asia, then China — whose future power rests heavily on regional stability — must play a leadership role in peace-building.
Beijing has the political neutrality, economic leverage, and strategic interest to mediate sincerely. If it fails to do so, it risks ceding this space to the U.S., which would only reignite old proxy wars.
The Importance of Ceasefire and Dialogue
The recent ceasefire observed on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border — whether initiated by Kabul or Islamabad — should be welcomed. Ceasefire, in itself, is not a weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of political maturity. If Pakistan took the first step, then Islamabad deserves credit. If Kabul did, the same applies. What matters is that someone chose peace over provocation. That’s leadership.
Both countries must recognize that their futures are tied. You cannot change neighbours. Our fate is intertwined. A permanent state of hostility only serves third-party interests — whether in Washington or New Delhi. Peace is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity.
Qatar’s role as a neutral space for negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul is also welcome. The Doha channel has already proven effective — from U.S.-Taliban negotiations to ceasefire deals in other regional conflicts. While it’s unfortunate that direct dialogue had to be outsourced to a third country, it’s still better than no dialogue at all.
Propaganda and the Role of Media
Another dangerous dimension of this conflict is the barrage of disinformation, particularly from India and certain quarters within Afghanistan. Weaponized narratives, false flag operations, and social media campaigns are being used to distort facts and escalate tensions. As a journalist, I believe that both in war and peace, we must maintain certain standards. Even in enmity, there must be ethics.
Unfortunately, modern social media warfare lacks such boundaries. Every individual has become a digital warrior, often unconsciously promoting fake narratives. The need for responsible journalism and fact-based reporting has never been greater.
The American Angle and Historical Memory
Let us not forget that the American establishment has not yet forgiven Pakistan or the Afghan Taliban for what happened over the past two decades. When the U.S. was forced to negotiate in Doha with the very group it once vowed to destroy, it marked a historic shift. But for Washington’s hawks, this was not peace — it was humiliation. And those perceived to have aided that outcome — including Pakistan — are unlikely to be forgiven quickly.
Pakistan must understand that while it celebrated the end of the U.S. occupation, the celebrations were being watched closely — in Washington, in Langley, and beyond. We must tread carefully. The politics of revenge and geopolitical realignment is complex and long-lasting.
A Regional Doctrine of Peace
What we need is a regional doctrine of peace — one that rests on mutual respect, negotiated settlements, and shared economic development. Pakistan and Afghanistan must resist being pulled into larger proxy wars. They must focus on building trust, developing joint counterterrorism frameworks, and addressing core grievances.
China must lead where the U.S. has failed. Pakistan must unify its domestic front. And Afghanistan must act responsibly as a sovereign actor. Only then can we avoid another chapter of bloodshed, displacement, and strategic regression.
Let peace be the currency of our region — not war.
