Pakistan is currently surrounded by mountains of problems and there are several hurdles that do not seem to be diminishing in the near future. In such a situation, if the country moves towards peace, it will be no less than a gust of pleasant air. At the moment, unconfirmed reports of a ceasefire between the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the government in Pakistan would be seen as positive.
To understand whether it is right to make a conditional surrender by the banned TTP, we must first keep in mind that India is our eternal enemy and it is not wise if we make Afghanistan our enemy as well. We are well aware that the Afghan Taliban and the banned TTP are together.
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) was formed in 2002 and, surprisingly, in five years, up to 13 groups have “recognized” the group, and these are the 13 groups that have a long history of extremism. In 2008, all these groups pledged allegiance to Baitullah Mehsud.
In the past, we have seen these banned groups blow up explosive-laden vehicles and take dozens of lives every day. However, Pakistani forces, under the National Action Plan, with tireless efforts and sacrifices eradicated terrorism and restored peace. Although it has not been recognized internationally as it should be, it is an indisputable fact that the achievements of our forces in this tough operation are unforgettable.
It is true that terrorism is not completely eradicated, but it remains to be seen whether we can withstand the storm of terrorism again or are we ready to compromise on national principles for peace. Talks with the banned TTP are happening under the influence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, and when such influential figures become part of the talks, the results of reconciliation are sure to emerge.
We are well aware that the banned TTP and Afghan Taliban both fought against foreign forces in Afghanistan and have made sacrifices. But it is also a fact that despite Pakistan’s insistence, the wanted prisoners out of more than 800 prisoners were not handed over to Pakistan.
It is true that Pakistan can give concessions to the banned TTP only by ignoring its rules and regulations or only the Supreme Court will be able to cover such concessions and not take any suo motu notice. This is also a big question mark.
And there is also the possibility that the Afghan Taliban may be disgusted with Pakistan because of the refusal of the banned TTP to sign the agreement. Instability in Afghanistan could have a negative impact on the rest of the world, including the region and Pakistan.
There could be two reasons why the world has not yet recognized the Afghan Taliban: There may be a geopolitical situation whose spirit is the current US, and in order to maintain its dominance in the region, the US will want to maintain some degree of instability in Afghanistan so that China does not yet have a coordinated effect on Kabul.
Analysts say that if Afghanistan is destabilized, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban, ISIS and other groups could become more active and attack Pakistan. This is the first reason why the leading people of Pakistan want to avoid the emerging threats of Afghanistan by concluding the above-mentioned agreement.
Other countries of the world are reluctant to establish political relations with Afghanistan but why the countries of this region failed to start relations with Taliban-led regime so far is a big question. Why Pakistan, Iran, Qatar, Russia and China are in a dilemma in establishing formal relations with Afghanistan despite the talks.
The world can only blame the Afghan Taliban, while the United States promised the Taliban under the Doha Accords that it would help lift sanctions, but it is still in limbo and the Taliban’s hardliners seem to be intolerant. This is being signaled by the Taliban leadership.
In this critical situation, among other strategies of Pakistan, the agreement with the TTP should be considered not only a compulsion but also a delicacy of the times.
