KABUL (SW) – Analysts believe Pakistan is cunningly exploiting to its benefit the rift and fighting between the Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government.
This comes as the head of Pakistan Army, Gen. Qamar Jawed Bajwa and Gen. Sir Nick Carter, Britain’s Chief of the Defense Staff and Head of the British Armed Forces met President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on Monday.
Political commentator Muhibullah Sharif told Salam Watandar that Pakistan now seemed to be exploiting the situation in Afghanistan for grabbing perks via the UK. “Pakistan is well aware that both sides (Taliban and Afghan government) are trapped in trying to make a better offer (to them)”, he said.
Dawlat Waziri, former defense ministry spokesman, said the trip by the military heads of Pakistan and the UK would leave no positive impacts on situation in Afghanistan. “Such trips have been made multiple times in the past as well, but there is no other way than resolving the issue through negotiations”, he said.
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Responding to the Taliban’s truce call for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr festival, top Afghan officials on Monday called on the insurgents to permanently shun violence.
President Ashraf Ghani said the withdrawal of foreign troops leaves no reason for the Taliban to continue their deadly insurgency.
“Resorting to violence, killing civilians, destroying infrastructure, and attacking public places is wrong and illegal on any day, not just Eid days,” he said.
“Now that foreign forces are leaving Afghanistan, the Taliban have no religious reason to continue their war.”
The Taliban had rejected government calls for a halt in fighting during the holy month of Ramadan but have announced a three-day cease-fire for the Eid al-Fitr festival coming this week.
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