By Qari Anwar ul Haq Haqqani
Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN)
Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN) and Majlis Fiqr-O-Danish (Center of Research and Knowledge) jointly conducted a Seminar on the Theme of “Pakistan’s Borders with Afghanistan and Iran Borders Management” on August 30, 2022. Interaction has published the speeches of Barrister Abdul Mateen Akhunzada and Barrister Sheikh Amir Khan Mandokhail in January 2023 issue. The speech of Brig. (R) Agha Ahmad Gul was published in the month of December 2022.
This month we are publishing the speech of Qari Anear-ul-Haq Haqqani. Mr. Abdul Mateen Akhunzada raised some questions in his speech. These questions were addressed by Brig. (R) Agha Ahmad Gul with reference to the historical background to the satisfaction of the audience of this journal. As it is a magazine, the seminar proceedings were not published in chronological order nor were all speeches published in one edition but were in order of importance of the content and availability of space, as per media practice.
Qari Anwar-ul-Haq’s talk in verbatim follows. “I thank Brig Gul for inviting me for this Seminar. I wish to talk about trade in the wake of the new regime in Afghanistan. Islam encourages and there are several Quranic injunctions relating to trade and the economy. Peace is however, indispensable for trade activities.
All three countries have great trade potential. They can collaborate in the fields of energy, trade, and other areas. These three countries have deep-rooted cordial and fraternal relations based on centuries-old religious and cultural affinities.
The Holy Quran, which is a comprehensive book, mentions peace and the economy. The people of Quraysh were under the special favor of Allah, and they used to visit every part of Arabia fearlessly. They used to go to Syria and Yemen for trade. Being the neighbors of Baitullah, they were respected.
He added that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) also said this prayer: “Make this city secure.” and “Grant the people of this city the fruits and all the necessities of life”. So firstly, peace has been mentioned, and then there is mention of economy and life. If we examine many aspects of life through the Qur’an and Sunnah, we can draw a meaning that peace is fundamental for any economic activity.
There are four broad assertions of peace: protection of human life; respect and honor; peace in pathways; and peace of wealth. So, in this way the economic activities can be ensured, and sources of earnings can be provided if peace is maintained. Pakistan was created in the name of Islam.
The creation of Pakistan was based on the ideology of Islam. Muslims believed that the Hindu majority of the United India would dominate Muslims and suppress their religion and culture. They would also suppress Muslims economically, as the Hindus were more advanced and skilled than Muslims in terms of trade and commerce.
So, Islam was the main factor in the creation of Pakistan as Muslims wanted to live independently in an Islamic society. Also, that Muslims would prosper economically in a separate country. Pakistan’s relations with Iran and Afghanistan are rooted in historical linkages and are based on religious, linguistic, cultural, and spiritual affiliations.
The current regime in Iran was established in 1979. The Iranian revolution took place, not for religious reasons, but for political reasons. The main objective of the revolution was to overthrow the Shah of Iran and bring an end to the Monarchy. People associated with all fields of life were involved, such as trade unions, political parties, and religious people.
The religious section of Iranian society had a dominant role in Iran, hence the revolution transformed into a religious revolution. They established a form of government according to their religious ideas. Iran has been facing international sanctions. But despite these sanctions, they have progressed in many ways.
So far as Afghanistan is concerned, many foreign countries have tried to occupy Afghanistan, especially during the last four decades. Afghanistan’s geography, coupled with tribal and religious culture, generated elements of resistance in Afghan society. In 1979, Russia invaded Afghanistan but faced fierce resistance from the Mujahedeen.
Pakistan had it interests at that time. The main issues were economic, but Islam was used as a tool to achieve this objective. The Soviet Union eventually got disintegrated; new states were established as they got independence. The Taliban regime was established and remained for five years until it was removed by America in 2001. The US, along with several other countries, invaded Afghanistan. This time, Pakistan supported the US against the Taliban government.
I visited Afghanistan for 25 days in June 2022. While visiting various places, I met with the Taliban leadership. The Taliban had three main objectives while returning to power. First, their regime was removed by force and they wanted to reclaim it. Second, to remove foreign forces from Afghanistan. Third, to establish the Islamic system and impose Sharia.
The Taliban have achieved their goals to a great extent since they have returned to power. There is a perception about the Taliban regime that they have taken Kabul by force and that there is no inclusive government. The Taliban are of the view that the previous regime also did not include their people. In addition, Taliban government represents almost all the ethnic groups of Afghanistan including Hazaras, Tajiks and Uzbeks.
The Taliban organized a Grand Jirga in Kabul consisting of several thousand people. The Taliban’s leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, called for the implementation of Sharia law, for which they had made sacrifices. The world can witness the advantages of imposing this system. There has been a significant decrease in the number of crimes in Afghanistan, and peace has been maintained.
Pakistan has great potential for trade both with Iran and Afghanistan. At presents Pakistan is exporting many goods to Iran and Afghanistan, but these are below their full potential. Afghanistan is a good market for Pakistani products. Afghanistan also exports multiple goods to Pakistan.
There are enormous opportunities for bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan. We need to import oil and gas from Iran. We also need to increase bilateral trade with Iran.
Recommendations
- We should maintain good friendly ties with these countries and make efforts to promote economic activities. At present, Pakistan’s trade with Iran and Afghanistan is below its full potential. We need to enhance trade with these two countries.
- Measures should be taken to benefit Balochistan from the TAPI gas pipeline agreement. Also, Pakistan has signed a gas agreement with Iran, we need to take advantage of this for the development of Balochistan as well as for the whole nation.
- At present, we are importing many goods from Iran. In the same way, Pakistan is also exporting many goods to Iran. Maintaining friendly relations with Iran will help in increasing trade activities between Pakistan and Iran, and this will help in strengthening our national economy.