Afghan Peace Process and Security Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

On 29 February 2020, the Trump Administration signed a landmark peace agreement with the Taliban office in Doha, Qatar, signalling a clear-cut plan to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan in a phased manner. So far, the peace process has not progressed as planned and there may be more snags on the way before a complete withdrawal takes place. Scenarios that can develop after the foreign troops depart from Afghanistan can range from chaos and anarchy, civil war, and limited peace. The return to normalcy in Afghanistan will entirely depend on the future political dispensation in the country and the attitude of the neighbours and competing interests in the region. The future situation in Afghanistan, will have direct security implications
for Pakistan. A peaceful Afghanistan will lend to peace and stability in Pakistan and a restive one will add to its problems. Under the circumstances, it is imperative that the government of Pakistan should be prepared for all kinds of eventualities and not be caught unaware like the last time the foreign forces withdrew from Afghanistan. This paper argues that whereas, it is of utmost importance for the government of Pakistan to continue to facilitate and support the current peace process in Afghanistan, keeping in mind its legitimate national interests; it should review its internal and external security policy in anticipation of all kind of situations.