As the security situation in Afghanistan is fast deteriorating with the new wave of violence, Islamabad wants Kabul to come up with a credible and inclusive peace plan to end perpetual instability in its neighbouring country. According to a report, Pakistan is pinning hopes on the Afghan leadership to announce a comprehensive peace plan during the crucial regional conference scheduled to take place in Kabul next month. The key meeting to be attended by Afghanistan’s immediate neighbours, as well as other regional and international players, is taking place under the banner of Kabul process that the Afghanistan government initiated in June last year. The purpose of the initiative is to build a regional and international consensus on how to bring an end to the lingering conflict in Afghanistan. It also seeks Afghanistan to be on the driving seat for any peace talks with the Afghan Taliban and other insurgent groups. But the sudden spike in violence in Afghanistan means that there are little chances of any major peace initiative taking shape in the near future. Reacting to the ambulance attack that killed over 100 people in Kabul, President Donald Trump has called for decisive action against the Afghan Taliban. The insurgents have stepped up their violent campaign at a time when Pakistan’s relationship with both Afghanistan and the United States are at the lowest point. The recent terrorist attacks are likely to further flare up tensions, as Afghan officials have publicly pointed the finger at Pakistan. It is expected that a high-level delegation from Islamabad may visit Kabul ahead of the next month’s moot on Afghanistan. The purpose of the likely visit is to first sort out differences between the two countries. Sincere and tangible efforts supported by all stakeholders are needed to make Kabul process a result oriented activity. The constant terrorist attacks in Afghanistan since last year deserve the strongest condemnation. Instable Afghanistan threatens peace and stability in Pakistan. The only practical solution to the Afghanistan conflict lies in a politically negotiated, Afghan-owned and Afghan led peace process as the military operation has been tried for over sixteen years and has failed to get the concrete results. This longest military operation has only increased the sufferings of the Afghan people and increased their anger against the foreign forces.
