The future of Pakistan and its relationship with Afghanistan is at stake, and it's time to rethink our strategies.
'Afghanistan is the heart of Asia'—a powerful statement by Allama Iqbal, reflecting the country's central role in the region. Pakistan's birth was marked by long-standing hostility with India, emphasizing the need for security. However, the nation's focus should have expanded to include good governance, democracy, and human development, a transition that never fully materialized.
The tragic consequences are evident: a significant loss of population and a failure to learn from history. The root cause? The capture of the state by a praetorian elite, a situation that demands a collective effort to rectify. While the necessary policies and institutional reforms are known, the current political and power structures seem to hinder any meaningful progress. This reality is being internalized by the ruling elites and the middle-class intelligentsia, whose decisions shape the nation's destiny. Ignoring these facts is complicit, and the belief that nuclear status ensures survival is a dangerous assumption.
Our Afghanistan policy must consider this context. Historically, the Afghan and Pakistani people have shared a deep connection, which could have been strengthened had the British pursued a different approach. The Durand Line, drawn after the Second Afghan War, annexed Afghan territories into British India, creating a border dispute that Afghanistan never formally accepted.
Pakistan's initial approach to Afghanistan was flawed, and a 'Big Brother' policy has not served us well. Instead, we should embrace a policy of Strategic Generosity, learning from countries like Brazil and China, which have fostered positive relationships with their neighbors.
Afghanistan has treated the Durand Line as an international border and has been a reliable neighbor during Pakistan's conflicts with India. Yet, they resent Pakistan's interference in their internal affairs and the imposition of foreign rule. This has led to a strained relationship, pushing Afghanistan closer to India and creating a challenging strategic situation for Pakistan.
By adopting a policy of Strategic Generosity, we can repair our relationship with Afghanistan, potentially leading to a confederation of over 300 million people. This would enhance strategic cooperation with China, Iran, and Central Asia, countering India's regional ambitions.
While challenges abound, imagination, goodwill, and persistence can make the seemingly impossible possible. The affinity between our peoples, including the strong cross-border kinship of the Pakhtun, should be nurtured. Exploring these possibilities is not just an option; it is essential for our survival and the fulfillment of Iqbal's vision.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Pakistan's nuclear status truly a guarantee of its survival, or is it a dangerous assumption that hinders progress? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
