In yet another terrorist attack in war-torn Afghanistan, gunmen attacked Kabul University’s campus, killing at least 22 people including students and trading fire with security forces. A witness, who managed to escape through one of the university’s gate, said that the assailants were shooting every student they saw.
Taliban refused its involvement in the attack and no other major group has claimed the responsibility yet. Meanwhile, Afghan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed Afghan peace process, with particular reference to border management.
Since 2001, Afghan history has been beset by half-hearted attempts at achieving a peace agreement between the Afghan Taliban and Kabul. The year 2018 and onwards, however, stands out as a unique time period which has showcased exceptional progress towards the Afghan peace process.
A major milestone was reached on February 29, 2020, when the Taliban and the US completed an agreement that was the first step towards a larger intra-Afghan peace deal. Some of the crucial requirements of this deal included a US pledge to slowly remove all troops, a Taliban commitment to stop terrorist groups from using Afghan territory.
Pakistan has been trying hard to dispel the false image of being a country associated with terrorism. Despite Pakistan being accused of “lies and deceit” in 2018, by President Trump, it has become a key player in the intra-Afghan peace talks.
However, distressingly high levels of violence in Afghanistan could derail ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. There is a stern need to pursue strict adherence to all articles of the US-Taliban agreement and US-Afghanistan joint declaration and not neglect the commitment to gradually reduce violence.
