2 weeks Ago
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent assertion that both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed not to allow their soil to be used against each other offers a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a turbulent and often frustrating relationship. This stance — firm, pragmatic, and long overdue — must be acknowledged as a necessary step towards securing regional stability. The commitment expressed by the Afghan side must now move from words to measurable action.
We have seen, time and again, how terrorist elements have taken advantage of the porous border and political instability within Afghanistan to orchestrate attacks against Pakistan. This is not conjecture — it is well-documented and tragically recurrent. The cost has been paid in the blood of civilians and security personnel alike, and a line must now be drawn.
But we must also not forget what lies on the other side of this equation. The benefits of genuine cooperation between the two neighbours are immense — shared economic growth, better border management, controlled migration, and, most crucially, a safer environment for ordinary citizens. If pursued sincerely, bilateral collaboration could transform the region into a corridor of connectivity rather than conflict.
However, the stakes are too high for this to be treated as another performative round of diplomatic niceties. The Afghan interim government must take real steps to dismantle terror networks operating within its borders, while Pakistan must also ensure that trust-building isn’t just an expectation, but a two-way responsibility. We perceive this moment as one of critical importance — and of potential.
But that potential will mean nothing if it isn’t met with sincerity, strategic planning, and an unflinching focus on long-term peace. The people of both countries deserve better than recycled promises and hollow commitments. It’s time for outcomes.
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