China stepping ahead for reviving trust in the region

The peace and stability lost in the region has become a dream to be restored with the bilateral peaceful dialogues between Pakistan and Afghanistan or with the mediation of the other friendly countries. Peace and development is the common desire of the people on the both sides of the border and the world at large. However, the problem of the time is that Pakistan and Afghanistan has lost the trust from one another so we are not having a peaceful environment for the consistent economic growth. It must be understand that we are not completely safe and secure from the emerging security threats stemming from devastating terrorism and extremism.

Pakistan and Afghanistan know that development and peace are interdependent on each other but the problem again is the loss of trust which is the backbone of peace and stability.

Istanbul process on Afghanistan, Heart of Asia conference, Quadrilateral Coordination group (QCG) and the peace process initiated by Russia have not yet been able to restore the trust deficit. If these prestigious platforms have not yet been succeeded than it does not mean that the hopes for peace and stability were over.

Both the countries are trapped by complicated problems of talbanization with circumstances hampering the prosperity and future of our nations.

It is the high time for both sides when the best huge economic might of the world, People’s Republic of China have stepped ahead to establish a trust at a very first stage between the two to restore peace and stability.

With the push of China, both countries have agreed to hold dialogue process at foreign minister level to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations with the assistance of Chinese foreign minister. The agreement between two countries for holding the dialogue at foreign minister level seems quite excellent which will definitely provide a platform to both for initiating the peace process from a freezing point.

In the wake of Chinese foreign minister tour, it was also agreed that bilateral crisis management mechanism between two countries will also be developed for tackling emergencies which are really indispensable as cross border fire have damaged a lot.

These efforts by China have also agreed to Pakistan and Afghanistan for revival of QCG process which will help in creation of conducive environment for talks between Afghan government and Taliban.

It is the time when both the nations must recommit for peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts which is indispensable for prosperous future of the region and to give positive message to international community as well.

Shared interests of common development in the wake of One Belt One Road (OBOR) must guide our economic relations as well. Pakistan has been enjoying the maximum benefits under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is the flagship project of OBOR initiative. This CPEC initiative is not only exclusive for Pakistan but the leadership believes that the entire region may reap the benefits. Afghanistan being the land locked country having rich in natural resources and unique geographic location have a good opportunity to play active role in the development of One Belt One Road initiative.

By joining CPEC, Afghanistan may use Gawadar port for its imports and exports from the international community and can bridge between South Asia and Central Asia.

Afghanistan’s experience in the war on terror has shown that without the effective participation of regional countries, the dominant challenges cannot be tackled. With the help and effective role of China, Russia and off course Pakistan, these security issues could be resolved.

The presence of other radical elements like ISIS in Afghanistan has also become a deep concern for the people and the region at large which has also resulted violence. The phenomenon of ISIS must be contained quickly and effectively otherwise it may seriously undermine regional security.

Terrorism since the initiation of war on terror has threatened the security and prosperity of the region and this is the time that with the collective efforts must be initiated for holding the peace and stability in the region for the sake of our brotherhood and great civilization in which we are knitted with one another.

The problem of terrorism, militancy and extremism can be tackled with the peaceful peace process between Pakistan and Afghanistan with the assistance of China and Russia which are the real back bone of economic development for the region and for attaining the shared destiny.

 View expressed in this article are of the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Pajhwok’s editorial policy.