ESSAY#O2

THE ROLE AND CHALLENGES FOR PAKISTAN IN

AFGHAN PEACE
INTRODUCTION:
A) Background

B) Thesis statement

FORGING PEACE: PAKISTAN'S HISTORIC CONTRIBUTION TO AFGHAN

PEACE:
A) Pakistan's Crucial Backing During the Soviet-Afghan War:

Example: Mention Pakistan's support for Afghan mujahideen, such as the

provision of training and arms.

Statistic: Provide statistics on the number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan during

the war.

B) Extending Recognition and Aid to the Taliban:

Case: Discuss the diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government by Pakistan in

the late 1990s.

Implication: Explain how this recognition influenced regional dynamics.

C) Supporting the War on Terror - A Balancing Act:

Example: Describe Pakistan's role in assisting the U.S. in its efforts to combat
terrorism after 9/11.

Complexities: Highlight the challenges Pakistan faced in balancing its alliance with
the U.S. and its relations with Afghan factions.
D) Navigating Afghan-US Peace Talks:

Case: Analyze Pakistan's role in facilitating peace talks between the Afghan
government and the Taliban.

Impact: Discuss the outcomes and significance of these talks.

ROADBLOCKS AND RESILIENCE: PAKISTAN'S AFGHAN PEACE

CHALLENGES:
A) Cross-border Terrorism:

Example: Provide instances of cross-border attacks or insurgent activities affecting

Afghanistan.

Impact: Discuss how these incidents have hindered peace efforts.

B) Challenges of Refugee Repatriation:

Statistic: Share data on the number of Afghan refugees still residing in Pakistan.

Difficulties: Discuss the difficulties faced by Pakistan in managing and repatriating

Afghan refugees.

C) Economic Interests and Market Share in Afghanistan:

Example: Mention specific Pakistani businesses operating in Afghanistan.

Impact: Explain how Pakistan's economic interests relate to stability in

Afghanistan.

D) Countering the Islamic State Presence:

Case: Discuss ISIS attacks in Afghanistan and their implications for regional
security.

Countermeasures: Explain Pakistan's efforts to combat ISIS in the region.

E) Proxy Warfare in Afghanistan with India:

Example: Highlight incidents of alleged Indian involvement in Afghan affairs.

Consequences: Discuss the impact of proxy warfare on the Afghan peace process.

F) Taliban's Tactics Impact on Peace Talks:

Recent Example: Discuss the Taliban's tactics during peace negotiations and their
impact on the Doha talks.

PAKISTAN'S AFGHAN PEACE PUZZLE: KEY STEPS FORWARD:

A) Security Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing:

Example: Describe instances of successful security cooperation between Pakistan

and Afghanistan.

Importance: Explain how intelligence sharing can contribute to regional stability.

B) Coordination with UN and Humanitarian Agencies:

Case: Discuss the role of UN agencies in providing aid to Afghanistan.

LATEST NEWS: UN agencies ‘stand ready’ to support Pakistan in registering,

managing Afghan refugees

Collaboration: Highlight examples of successful collaboration between Pakistan

and humanitarian organizations.

C) Promoting Regional Connectivity and Economic Integration:

Example: Mention regional projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

(CPEC) and their potential impact.

Economic Benefits: Discuss how economic integration can contribute to stability.

D) Respecting Afghan Sovereignty:

Case: Highlight instances where respecting Afghan sovereignty led to positive
outcomes.

Implications: Explain how this principle can foster trust and cooperation.

E) Cooperation Against the ISIS Threat:

Example: Discuss joint operations or intelligence sharing between Pakistan,

Afghanistan, and other regional actors against ISIS.

Counterterrorism Success: Describe instances where collaborative efforts have

yielded positive results.

CONCLUSION:
ESSAY
INTRODUCTION:
The FATA Research Centre, a think tank based in
Islamabad, has emphasized that the peace process in
Afghanistan is primarily led and owned by the Afghans
themselves, with Pakistan playing a supporting role. This think
tank expresses optimism regarding the success of the peace
talks. Pakistan, recognized by many countries as a key player in
the fight against terrorism, is actively facilitating these
negotiations. The history of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations has
been a complex interplay of conflict and cooperation, shaped by
geopolitical, ethnic, and ideological factors. Throughout its
history, Pakistan has made significant contributions to the
Afghan peace process, as evident in its roles during the Soviet-
Afghan War, its diplomatic recognition of the Taliban
government, and its involvement in Afghan-U.S. peace
talks.Despite these historic collaborations, the relationship
between Afghanistan and Pakistan faces ongoing challenges,
such as cross-border terrorism, Taliban tactics, proxy warfare
involving India, and more. Consequently, both countries must
engage in collaborative efforts to pave the way for successful
peace talks and enhance regional cooperation.Most
importantly, the key to mitigating these challenges in the
Afghan peace process involves ensuring security cooperation
and intelligence sharing, coordination with United Nations and
humanitarian agencies, promoting regional connectivity and
economic integration, respecting Afghan sovereignty, and
cooperating against the ISIS threat. These steps hold the
potential to address the roadblocks and challenges in the path
of Afghan peace, which Pakistan remains committed to despite
the diverse challenges it faces with its neighbor.Pakistan,
struggling for recognition and development, is dedicated to
leading peace talks with the United States and providing
financial support. Nevertheless, there are still gaps that require
cooperation and regional connectivity to fill.