At the 6th Heart of Asia Summit pledges were made to widen cooperation and improve the situation in Afghanistan through economic development and cooperation in the transport sector.
More than 30 countries and 10 international institutions participated in the two-day meeting, Dec 3-4, in Amritsar, India.
Afghanistan, at the heart of the Asian continent, has more than regional importance. On the fabled Rah e Abrishum (silk route), the history of many countries is linked to Afghanistan. Mohammad Reza Fayaz, lecturer in Aboraihan Albironi believes, “Security is a basic human need. In case of lack of security, no work can be done and no infrastructure can be established. Afghanistan is a good example. The primary task for Afghanistan is ensuring security in order to push development.”
Sharif Hozori, writer and analyst of political issues, points to “challenges” before the Heart of Asia initiative. He talks of “structural challenges – the non-existence of a permanent secretariat, absence of a specified map of progress, financial crisis and strategy for monitoring.” He thinks the challenges weigh heavily on the progress of the initiative. “It casts a shadow on discussions about security and terrorism,” he says reiterating that access to markets is a related issue.
Sharif feels, “The crisis in internal policies and differences among politicians that are partners in power is one of the challenges in the way of the Heart of Asia endeavour. Differences between Dr Abdullah (chief executive) and the president (Ashraf Ghani) over monopolising power, and the statements of General Dostum (vice president) about tribal discrimination have set off alarm bells among Afghanistan’s international allies. In addition illegality in parliament, non-functioning of law making, and crisis in the election process and reforms have cast more doubts.”
The summit focused on extremism and terrorism. Transit trade in Asia’s heart and relations between India, Pakistan and Afghanistan were key concerns.
The cracks were on public display.
Speaking at the Summit, Sartaj Aziz, advisor on foreign affairs to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said, “The security situation is very complicated in Afghanistan. In order to support peace and secure success in the region, all issues existent among the countries should be solved peacefully.” He went on to add, “It is simplicity to consider only one country culprit for severity of all violence rather we need a comprehensive and identical viewpoint.” Aziz was responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegation that Pakistan was the main culprit behind terrorism in the region. Modi said terrorism and instability were the biggest threats to peace and stability in Afghanistan and there was a need to “counter supporters of terrorists and those financing and sheltering them.”
Afghan President Ghani also accused Pakistan of launching an undeclared war on Afghanistan. He said, “The Taleban would not last even for one month if they don’t have shelters in a neighbouring country.” He asked Pakistan to spend the 500 million USD it was offering as aid on countering terrorism. “This fund, Mr Aziz, could very well be used for containing extremism because without peace any amount of assistance will not meet the needs of our people.”
Ghani’s words in Amritsar have met with approval. Political analyst Ahmad Sayeedi says, “The government of national unity is obliged to keep larger interests in mind (not reject offers of aid) but Pakistan has a role in supporting terrorists trying night and day to destroy Afghanistan.”
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) urged caution. Ghulam Husain Naseri, MP, says, “We should keep ready the security forces because the reaction of Pakistan could be revengeful and provocative.”
