Afghanistan Times
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Shamim Shahid
Once again, terrorists who are not only enemies of humanity but also indulging them in a worst sin by killing innocent Muslims on the sacred name of Islam, have targeted girls students in Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday. Over 35 teenager girl students were killed and around 60 other injured. Though the issue was highlighted throughout the world but ignored by media in Pakistan – considered immediate neighbor and self claimed major stakeholder in the prolonged conflict.
The incident has generated wide range condemnation from all over the world. Pakistan through its Foreign office also denounced the terrorist act and extended sympathies to the Afghan government and grieved families. Likewise, leading nationalist politicians from Pakistan like Asfandyar Wali Khan, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Mahmood Khan Achakazai have also expressed concern over the recent violent act during the last days of the holy month of Ramzan. However, majority of others especially the ruling Pakistan Tehreek Insaf, opposition’s Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan People’s Party and Jamiat Ul Ulema Islam (F) yet to realise their responsibilities as “neighbours and claiming to be the major stakeholders” in prolonged imposed conflict.
Except Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, almost all the leaders, stalwarts and office holders of over three dozen politico-religious groups are playing role of silent spectators over what occurring across the border in Afghanistan from last several days in particular when the US has started pulling its troops out of that war-stricken country. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad through a Twitter post expressed concern over terrorist attack against girls’ school in Kabul. He extended sympathies to the bereaved families.
Senator Mushtaq’s Twitter message deserves appreciation as it could be considered a positive step in policies of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). The JI is a popular politico-religious party also in Afghanistan and in the light of Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Twitter message, it is hoped that the JI will play a positive role at the stage when Afghanistan deserve help and assistance in ending over four decades conflicts and hostilities. Senator Mushtawq needs to take another step and initiate an All Parties Conference of Pakistan’s religious-politico and nationalist groups who are enjoying support across the borders in Afghanistan. In particular, those companions of Afghan Taliban, especially allies of Haqqani Network should be represented in the proposed APC just to give “A BIG CALL” for ceasefire in war devastated Afghanistan.
In fact, not only Afghan Taliban but also Hizbe Islami Afghanistan headed by Engineer Gulbadin Hekmatyar has declared “war or resistance” against what they called US-led allies in early 2002 last when almost Afghans agreed by embarking on a political process with former President Hamid Karzai on a political process. Engineer Hekmatyar had made reconciliation with the Afghan government in 2016 and returned to Kabul in 2017. Since 2018 parliamentary elections, Engineer Hekmatyar and his party are part of political process. Even Hekmatyar had himself contested 2019 Presidential polls.
There is no justification either for the Taliban, their mentors and their external supporters to continue terror acts when the US is withdrawing its troops in accordance to Doha Qatar 2020 agreement. And the responsibility rests with all of Taliban, especially the Haqqani network’s internal and external supporters, to stop them from killing innocent Afghans.
Ulema, Islamic scholars, intellectuals and public opinion makers from both the neighbouring countries can play a role in ending the bloodshed in Afghanistan. Most important role is expected from media, especially in western world and Pakistan. Instead of highlighting deadly violent acts, media must re-visit its policies towards terrorists who deserve hate and condemnation at this stage.
The Afghan government since December 2001 is crying for peace and reconciliation but unfortunately did not get positive response from the rivals-who are getting money for each and every terror act from their external mentors and financiers. Now, also foreign mentors and financiers of militants engaged in violent acts, across Afghanistan are no more secret from the world, which is desirous for ending violence, return of peace and tranquility. Not only the UN but Organisation of Islamic Countries, and other international bodies need to play a role at this stage-which could be focused on ensuring not only on return of peace and tranquility but also on ensuring its sovereignty and solidarity.
