Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman's highly anticipated visit to Afghanistan has concluded, leaving a lingering question: did it succeed in achieving its intended objective of fostering regional stability and curbing the violence perpetrated by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)?
According to sources well-versed in the details of the trip and the discussions held in Afghanistan, there appears to be a notable absence of assurances from the Afghan leadership regarding the reduction of TTP attacks within Pakistan. Regrettably, the trip has fallen short of expectations, with the anticipated positive outcomes, particularly a decrease in TTP-led attacks, failing to materialize.
Maulana Fazal's visit to Afghanistan was prompted by the escalating violence attributed to the TTP along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The TTP, an umbrella organization of various militant factions, has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks, causing significant concerns for both nations. Fazal sought to engage with Afghan leaders and militant groups to find common ground and explore potential avenues for peace.
Despite Maulana Fazal's diplomatic efforts, no firm commitment was reportedly obtained from Afghan authorities to actively collaborate with Pakistan in stemming the tide of TTP activities.
The primary goal of Maulana Fazal's diplomatic mission was to persuade Afghan authorities and influential figures to collaborate with Pakistan in curbing TTP activities. Additionally, he aimed to encourage dialogue between the Afghan government and the TTP, hoping to pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Despite Maulana Fazal's diplomatic efforts, no firm commitment was reportedly obtained from Afghan authorities to actively collaborate with Pakistan in stemming the tide of TTP activities. The lack of concrete assurances raises concerns about the effectiveness of such diplomatic initiatives in addressing the intricate challenges posed by cross-border terrorism.
While Maulana asserted in an interview that his journey was a success, experts harbor skepticism regarding the effective resolution of the pivotal issue concerning TTP attacks. Confidential sources privy to Maulana's discussions with top Taliban leadership, notably the elusive head, Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada, reveal a deliberate omission on Maulana's part. In these crucial meetings, he intentionally refrained from addressing the pressing matter of TTP attacks within Pakistan. This strategic silence, as insiders suggest, stemmed from Maulana's apprehension that openly confronting the issue might make him a target for the TTP, given that he and his party are already in the crosshairs of Daesh.
The discussions held during the visit failed to yield the desired results, casting doubt on the prospects of a collaborative approach between Pakistan and Afghanistan in countering the TTP threat. This setback underscores the complex nature of the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship and the longstanding issues that continue to hinder coordinated efforts against militant groups operating in the region.
The porous and challenging border terrain further complicated the situation, making it difficult to control the movement of militants across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border effectively. Maulana Fazal's mission faced numerous challenges, including historical grievances, divergent stances among Afghan leaders regarding the TTP, and the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the region.
The inadequacy of Maulana Fazal's trip is evident in the protests that unfolded in Kabul, underscoring the skepticism surrounding his visit. Taliban sympathizers openly voiced suspicions, alleging that Maulana wasn't in Afghanistan in an individual capacity but rather as a representative of the Pakistani military. The deep-seated trust deficit on both sides of the border further compounded the perception that Maulana's trip was orchestrated by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies.
Despite Maulana's attempt to lend credibility to his mission by including respected religious leaders like Mufti Idrees from Charsada, who holds esteem among Taliban ranks due to his influence over many of them during their studies, the suspicions persisted.
The situation took a more complex turn when the Foreign Office distanced itself from Maulana's trip, emphasizing that it was a personal visit with no government sponsorship. During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified Pakistan's stance and addressed the mounting concerns.
The deep-seated trust deficit on both sides of the border further compounded the perception that Maulana's trip was orchestrated by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies.
"Maulana Fazlur Rahman is a private citizen, visiting Afghanistan on a private visit at the invitation of the Afghan authorities. This is not a visit sponsored by the government of Pakistan," she asserted. Baloch went on to highlight the routine practice of briefing senior officials before their travel, emphasizing that it was not indicative of an official government-sponsored mission.
"While he visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his travel to Afghanistan, it is important to note that he is not representing the government of Pakistan in his visit. He is there in his individual capacity," the spokesperson stressed.
The Foreign Office's attempt to clarify the nature of Maulana's trip aimed to dispel any misconceptions regarding its official endorsement. Despite these efforts, the skepticism surrounding the visit, fueled by the complex dynamics of the region and the ongoing security challenges, continues to overshadow the prospects of successful diplomatic initiatives in mitigating cross-border terrorism.
In the aftermath of the reported meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada, Pakistan swiftly clarified its unequivocal lack of interest in engaging in discussions with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This particular aspect formed a pivotal agenda during the talks between Maulana and the Taliban chief, and the apparent disinterest on Pakistan's part in negotiating with the TTP raises concerns about the overall efficacy of the trip.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan region has long been marred by geopolitical complexities, and resolving the issue of militancy requires a multifaceted approach. Fazal's trip highlighted the need for sustained efforts, not only from Pakistan and Afghanistan but also from the international community, to address the root causes of terrorism and create an environment conducive to lasting peace.
As the TTP persists in carrying out violent attacks within Pakistan shortly after Maulana Fazal's visit, the need for a comprehensive, sustained, and multilateral approach becomes increasingly evident. Pakistan must prioritize enhancing its internal security measures and not solely rely on external factors. The complexities of the situation also necessitate a concerted effort that extends beyond individual diplomatic visits to pave the way for a more secure and stable South Asian region.