Let's embrace Afghanistan.

[Kompromat]

An interesting article.

Let us talk about a little more details with what you mean by Pakistan breaking into the CARs economically and diplomatically.

Developing ECO into a treaty organization. Full FTAs/ease of business/ trading bonds etc and logistical infrastructure developed jointly with 10 member states.

What would Pakistan import and export in terms of dollar value on an annual basis,

Imports - Energy - Raw materials - Uranium etc
Exports - Textiles - IT - Sports gear - Commodities - Surplus food - Weapons etc

and what would the logistics be of that increased trade?

I see that as a big issue which cannot be solved without mutual cooperation. That should come under the joint framework of ECO.

How do you see the CARs supporting Pakistan diplomatically?

CARs don't have much say internationally, however if India can have SAARC, we can have ECO. CARs can certainly give Pakistan enough leverage to deal with other regional powers on a better footing i.e with Russia and Turkey.

 

[VCheng]

Developing ECO into a treaty organization. Full FTAs/ease of business/ trading bonds etc and logistical infrastructure developed jointly with 10 member states.



Imports - Energy - Raw materials - Uranium etc
Exports - Textiles - IT - Sports gear - Commodities - Surplus food - Weapons etc



I see that as a big issue which cannot be solved without mutual cooperation. That should come under the joint framework of ECO.



CARs don't have much say internationally, however if India can have SAARC, we can have ECO. CARs can certainly give Pakistan enough leverage to deal with other regional powers on a better footing i.e with Russia and Turkey.

So you seem to be suggesting to embrace a non-existent political treaty with international diplomatic nobodies to transport a few goods over a non-existent logistical network, worth an undetermined amount of money?

Besides, isn't Pakistan claiming to be self-sufficient in uranium? How would the energy be transported across Afghanistan and is what form?

And lastly, where would India be in this picture that you are trying to draw and what would it be trying to do?

 

[rockstarIN]

All these permenant problems to be faced to keep hostility with India. To be honest, can't make unconditional peace with India and move on. At least there will be nothing to loose as it is just status quo.

Sorry for being off topic.

 

[Usama78]

What about the possibility of a Pak-Afghan merger or confederation like the UAE or UK?

I really don't think it will work due to the nature of afghans. Maybe they just won't like it so lets just let tgem rule themselves and keep ourselves out of their internal problems. Its just a thought I have.

 

[Kompromat]

So you seem to be suggesting to embrace a non-existent political treaty with international diplomatic nobodies to transport a few goods over a non-existent logistical network, worth an undetermined amount of money?

CAR is a critical region sir and its not just about CARs. Our pivot towards CARs would be with an aim to establish strategic ties with two other regional powers - Russia and Turkey which are big emerging markets. Iran which is another regional power is at our doorstep, we ought to have a good working relationship with Iran as well.

Besides, isn't Pakistan claiming to be self-sufficient in uranium?

No such data is available to me. Self sufficiency depends on the desired output of energy which is bound to rise with a rising population.

How would the energy be transported across Afghanistan and is what form?

It cannot be done through pipelines, which is why i suggested the political stabilization of Afghanistan, so the projects like TAPI can see light of the day. Other alternative is to do it through the Wakhan corridor.

And lastly, where would India be in this picture that you are trying to draw and what would it be trying to do?

India would be accepted as a regional power by Pakistan in South Asia and India would accept the same status for Pakistan in Central Asia since they cannot do much anyway due to geographic constraints just like we cannot or couldn't do anything to Bangladesh. Both states can only achieve peace followed by cooperation if they make peace with each other's position in the region. Pakistan is smaller than India but not a pushover by any means, we will and must create our own sphere of economic cooperation with open border trade in CARs.

Pakistan would also have to reorient its cultural ties back into C.Asia because we share it with them. What i wrote above didn't mean that Pakistan needs to shut the gates on India. Its a large expanding economy and we should be making the most of it by all means just as we should from Chinese, Russian, Turkish, Iranian and GCC's economic expansion. We are rightly placed in the map to do so...how can we do it is a question that must be asked from the economists.

 

[VCheng]

.how can we do it is a question that must be asked from the economists.

The economics of what you suggest clearly indicate that it is not feasible, given all the considerations.

 

[CENTCOM]

We cannot have a safe a secure region without a safe and secure Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our governments are well aware of the fact that our common enemies would love to see us part ways for the sake of gaining advantage. It is simply important to stary united and overcome any differences for the sake of achieving our shared peace objectives in the region. We congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the signing of the BSA, and share what the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Loyd J. Austin III, said on the successful transition of power in Afghanistan:

"I want to congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the historic, peaceful transfer of power that occurred yesterday with the inauguration of President Ashraf Ghani. He and Mr. Abdullah, the new chief executive, are to be commended for their cooperation and shared demonstrated commitment to their country and their fellow citizens.

Indeed, there is still difficult work to be done, and particularly with respect to the formation of the national unity government. However, I am hopeful that the leadership will do the right things going forward. And, certainly today's signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement between the governments of the United States and Afghanistan signaled progress. This pact paves the way for further cooperation and close collaboration between our countries.

Our partnership is an important one, and as we prepare to transition to a traditional security cooperation mission in the coming years, we remain committed to providing the necessary support to our Afghan partners and, in particular, to their national security forces. They have come a long way and are doing an outstanding job taking the fight to the enemy and defending their sovereignty. I am confident that all Afghans will continue to do what is required to seize this historic opportunity and to keep their country safe."

Ali Khan

Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM