1. Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Exploring the Way Forward
- Author:
- Qibla Ayaz, Aziz Ahmed Khan, Abdullah Dayo, Mohammad Hamid Khan, Muhammad Amir Rana, Marvi Sirmed, Rahimullah Yousafzai, and Omar Zakhilwal
- Publication Date:
- 10-2018
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS)
- Abstract:
- This brief summarizes the findings of a national conference on PakistanAfghanistan relations with the purpose of exploring the way forward. The two countries suffer from trust deficit, making futile all attempts to rest the ties. Yet, the ties are of import and can be strengthened. Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) is a major development; to effectively take it forward, a proper implementation plan should be charted. As prospects of reconciliation with Taliban are explored, one of the new channels that is being explored is engaging Islamic scholars from both sides. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s offer of granting citizenship to Afghan refugees can be explored by taking domestic considerations into account and finding a middle way out which treats with Afghans on humanitarian ground. The two countries can also cooperate on security issues against common threats such as ISIS.
- Topic:
- Security, Foreign Policy, Bilateral Relations, Taliban, Refugees, Islamic State, and Conference
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, Afghanistan, and South Asia