Written on Abdul Mateen Akhundzada
Mr. Abdul Mateen Akhundzada`s speech in verbatim follows: “I wish to focus on Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran border management. Our border with Afghanistan is facing complex border disputes while the borders with Iran is relatively peaceful and safe. The borders are accessible to everyone without any hurdles. With Afghanistan the horrors of the coronavirus, climate change, socio-economic chaos, better friendly relations ought to be sought. Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan is frequently closed while the border with Iran is difficult for trade due to the international sanctions on Iran. I hold the British responsible for the border disputes in South Asia, including the dispute of Kashmir, the division of the Kurds, the issue of the Durand Line and the issue of Balochistan. Instead of fighting each other, we should spend our energy on strengthening the hands of the leaders who are managing these complex problems and we should not listen to those who are creating chaos and promoting instability in the region. We should support those leaders who work hard for the development and peace of the region. Despite disagreements with Pakistani rulers and leaders, it can be hoped that they will make positive progress on these long-standing political- and regional disputes.Due to the evolving situation in the region, the regional countries need to engage in a useful and constructive dialogue to promote humanity and produce true leaders. All the provincial bodies of Balochistan, including the interior ministry, industry and crafts, trade authority and agriculture, livestock, border forces, tribal leaders, Army Command, political parties, and development sector need to adopt a socio-economic development approach in determining priorities and to start working for a new era of trade at the borders. In July 2020, the provincial government of Balochistan constituted committees of administrative and public representatives to look after the issues on the Pak-Afghan border such as Afghan transit trade, smuggling of prohibited and non-prohibited items, law and order situation, and the issue of the pedestrian smugglers. The committee acknowledged the following prevailing environment at the Pak-Afghan border and suggested some recommendations:
- On the Pak-Afghan border, 12 to 15 thousand people cross the border from both sides, including the walking-smugglers.
- Under the Afghan transit trade, goods destined for Afghanistan are unloaded at the customs border, of which ninety percent of the goods are brought back to Pakistan without payment of duties and taxes.
- Under the guise of smuggling and illegal trafficking, militants also get an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
- The committee suggested resolving the issues of local businessmen and the petty smuggler. Additionally, the committee proposed alternative economic activities, effective border trade procedures, the establishment of border markets and warehouses, immigration, and customs facilities.
- Alternative economic activities will create regular and legal employment opportunities in the border areas on both sides and the promotion of legal trade will benefit the governments and local businessmen.
- Decisions will have to be made in the interest of the country by both relevant federal and provincial departments.
- The issues related to the federal government should be communicated the federal government so that the problem can be solved on short- and long-term basis.
We need to understand the Pak-Afghan issue from two aspects, that is, the History and nature of their relationship. Historically, Afghanistan has been an independent and prestigious region long before Pakistan came into being. Contemporary Pakistan has remained under the occupation / administration of Afghanistan during various periods. Pakistan was considered the gateway between Central Asia and India. The caravans from the Arab region also used to reach Multan through Mekran, Bela, Karachi, and Sindh. Due to the Partition of the subcontinent, this region faced many problems including the issue of the Pak-Afghan border. The history of nations, cultures and ethnic affiliations can never be changed by geographic and borders closures, and divisions. In Pakistan due to various reasons, the problem of Divided Pashtuns did not become violent as Kashmir, Baloch, and Kurds. Unfortunately, Pak-Afghan relations have been a victim of border conflicts, and the interests of great powers in the region. Keeping in view the overall historical and geographical facts and the changing world dynamics (economy, politics, globalization, and technology), the charismatic leaders from both countries should try to build an environment of trust and confidence. The most important and difficult problem is the attitude of the officials of both the countries as well as the attitude and emotions of the people over the Durand Line. But ultimately, we need to move forward and address this issue openly with honesty and a big heart. The National Assembly of Pakistan constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with four task forces on 16 July 2020, under the Chairmanship of the Speaker National Assembly with relevance to trade with Afghanistan. The first task force was established for the clearance of container traffic to Afghanistan. The second task force was tasked to look after the border trade with Afghanistan. The third task force was responsible for the issues of customs duty on imported goods from Afghanistan. The fourth task force was assigned the task of tracking and scanning of containers at the time of arrival and departure from Pakistan. It is an important effort to improve the promotion of public relations including Afghanistan transit trade for mutual trade with Pakistan and Afghanistan. The main objective of Parliamentary Friendship Groups is to strengthen the cordial relations between Pakistan and other neighbouring friendly countries. Chairman Senate Mr. Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, went to Iran to participate in the oath-taking ceremony of the Iranian President. He asked the Iranian President and the government to reduce the border issues and create new business opportunities. The agreement with Iran for the supply of electricity and gas to the coastal areas and Quetta and its surroundings is very important for social development and prosperity.
Recommendations
I now wish to present some recommendations. Peace and reconciliation with both Afghanistan and Iran are the first steps towards trade, prosperity, development, and harmony. Islamic thinkers and scholars should frequently tell the verses of the Holy Quran, that the killing of one person is equal to killing of the whole of humanity. Similarly, the saving of one person is equal to saving of the entire humanity. There is a need to break the current political stasis through direct communications, negotiations to build understanding in accordance with the international rules and norms which should be adopted on the Durand Line. We must develop friendly and brotherly relations with both Afghanistan and Iran. From Chaman to Taftan, and from Gwadar to Kakar Khorasan, we must start border trade and help economically develop the people due to our geographical, cultural, and historical linkages. I suggest the following steps towards potential trade between Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran.
- A comprehensive approach to sustainable peace is a need of the time and there should be no delay in applying the rules and regulations of border trade that will promote peace and prosperity in the region.
- Pakistan and Afghanistan must discuss and negotiate the issues related to the Durand line. For this, the governments and people of both sides should show some maturity, employ confidence-building measures to promote peace and stability in the region.
- If direct communication and negotiations are not considered suitable at this time, then a joint effort should be initiated to use the efforts of respected and trusted personalities from both sides to ultimately find out the solution of the problems of the border region.
- There is a need to initiate a positive and constructive environment for border trade, otherwise, opportunities for change and potential will be lost.
Under the banner of Majlis Fikar-o-Danish and Pak-Afghan Iran-Iqbal Dialogue Research and Development Forum, we want to develop a new paradigm to adopt a development approach for the creation of scientific and intellectual dialogue. Efforts to formulate policies according to the changing trends and dictates of the new age should be considered the basic steps towards a prosperous and dignified life.”