Afghanistan Times
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Whenever someone talks about Afghanistan whether it is about security, economy or other issues, the name of its neighbor, Pakistan that plays key role in almost all sectors come without any pause. But most of time, it comes in form of bad neighbors that spare no stone unturned to destabilize Afghanistan and see its national interests in having unstable neighbor. This ideology is very dangerous, not only for Afghanistan but for all countries.
There are plenty of evidences showing that Pakistan is the core reason behind insecurity not only in Afghanistan, but across the globe. International community is also in this view. They say that Pakistan is sheltering terrorists in its soil and considered it a strategy-depth. Beside Afghanistan, several other countries already labeled Pakistan as supporter of insurgents.
Zalmay Khalilzad, former US ambassador to Kabul, said that: “Pakistani proxies pose a severe threat to coalition and Afghan forces and civilians.” Indeed, Pakistani policy is the principle cause of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
“More broadly, Pakistan’s use of extremist and terrorist proxies – including to threatening India – is a significant contributor to the global menace of Islamic extremism. It must be confronted if we are to succeed in defeating terrorism and extremism around the world.”
Since the overthrow of the Taliban regime after 9/11, Pakistan has been playing a perfidious and dangerous double game. It has portrayed itself as a US partner, yet supports the Taliban and the al-Qaeda-linked Haqqani network.
Like him (Khalilzad), several US and other high ranking officials in different platforms blamed Pakistan for supporting militants. They are right at large extent. Mullah Omar, Taliban’s founder and leader died in Pakistan. The US drone strike targeted Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, the successor of Mullah Omar there. Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader was also killed in Pakistan.
Probably, his son Hamza bin Laden who recently in an audio message posted online, promised to continue the global militant group’s fight against the US and its allies, would also fine dead in one of cities of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s face is very clear in the mirror of international community. Thus it requires action not statement to eliminate terrorists and its sanctuaries as well as its supporter. We can’t fight insurgency with mere statements, rather military action is the need of the hour.
International community, especially, the United States should pressurize Pakistan. Washington, if required, should not hesitate to impose financial sanctions or force it to facilitate reconciliation talks between the government of Afghanistan and Taliban group. Military action is the only remedy left to eliminate every form of insurgents from the face of earth.
