Has Pakistan Failed to Forge a Friendship with Afghanistan in 78 Years?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fazlur Rehman critiques Pakistan's diplomatic failures with Afghanistan.
- Calls for a reassessment of regional strategies amidst rising tensions.
- Accusations against the current government regarding economic management.
- Emphasis on the need for peace and restoration of citizens' rights.
- Claims of constitutional manipulation for political gains.
Kabul/Islamabad, Dec 1 (NationPress) Prominent Pakistani cleric and leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party, Fazlur Rehman, has criticized the Pakistani government's approach towards Afghanistan, asserting that it has completely failed, especially as tensions between the two neighboring countries have escalated in recent months.
"In 78 years, Pakistan has not been able to make Afghanistan its friend. You only know war. You cannot solve this problem," Rehman expressed, as reported by Afghan media outlet Amu TV during a gathering in Mardan, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
He urged Islamabad to rethink its regional strategy amidst growing tensions with the Taliban government, stating that Pakistan has failed to establish lasting trust with Afghanistan. He called upon the ruling Pakistani establishment to review its policies in pursuit of peace in the region.
Rehman’s comments come as the relationship between Islamabad and the Taliban has worsened, with both parties exchanging warnings and public accusations.
On Saturday, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar mentioned that Islamabad was ready to initiate a clearing operation within Afghanistan during recent tensions, but the plan was stalled following urgent pleas from Qatar, the report detailed.
The cleric also blamed the government led by Shehbaz Sharif for damaging the country's economy, declaring that it is not the Pakistan the citizens envisioned.
Fazl remarked that his party desires a nation where peace prevails and individuals can live freely. He emphasized that the government must restore the rights of the populace. According to Rehman, the Constitution has been manipulated, prioritizing the wishes of influential elites over the aspirations of the general public. The Express Tribune reported this on Monday.
Fazl also asserted that lawmakers were bribed to pass the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which he claimed was approved through a false majority. Furthermore, he alleged that the federal government has suspended the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, supposedly at the behest of Western powers.