News analysis |
The leader of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has implored upon Pakistan not to use Afghanistan as a war theater for its rivalry with India. He made these remarks while meeting Sikh and Hindu Afghan nationals. The 70-year old warlord who was tauntingly known as the “Butcher of Kabul” returned to Afghanistan in April this year after an exile of 20 years. He said: “We want peace in Afghanistan and the region and the neighboring countries should help Afghanistan in bringing peace and stability.”
Trump’s references to India have just added a new layer to already-touted proxy war between Islamabad and Delhi in Afghanistan. Adding China and the re-assertive Russia in the mix would make the Afghan conundrum more complex
At a time when Pakistan and India are all set to further raise the bar in their rivalry, a statement from an old Pakistani sympathizer in Hekmatyar is noteworthy, to say the least. Pakistan has reiterated its objections to US’ desires of giving India a pronounced role in Afghanistan. Islamabad’s long held fears of Indian encirclement by exerting more influence in Kabul have again come to the fore.
Read more: Will Hekmatyar’s return cause division in Afghanistan?
The ex-prime minister further went on to say that the fire and flames of war will further spread and will cover the whole region if peace does not return to Afghanistan. He added: “We want peace and friendly relations with all in the region and I have urged the Pakistani and Indian Ambassadors not to bring their rivalry to Afghanistan.”
Many pundits are suspicious about the former warlord and his ability to rein-in his violent instincts; his arrival on the scene can further exacerbate fissures in the National Unity Government
Ever since his return to mainstream politics, Hekmatyar has denounced war, foreign influence and has lent support to a strong central government. Earlier this month while talking to foreign journalists he rejected any idea of a troop surge and instead called for elections.
He said: “Hezb-i-Islami is ready to co-operate with the government and bring in security and stability unconditionally,” Hekmatyar said, referring to the largely dormant militant group he heads. “We accept that elections should be the only way to get to power and the participation of political parties in elections is the only way forward,” he added.
Read more: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar: “The Butcher of Kabul”
Many pundits are suspicious about the former warlord and his ability to rein-in his violent instincts; his arrival on the scene can further exacerbate fissures in the National Unity Government. Perhaps, Hekmatyar has to pander to the sentiments of the people by taking on Pakistan and its alleged subversive role in Afghanistan.
Earlier this month while talking to foreign journalists he rejected any idea of a troop surge and instead called for elections
However, Pakistan along with its ally China have discussed on making joint efforts for a political settlement in Afghanistan. Both countries have opposed and questioned the efficacy of a modest troop-surge.
The use of the Afghan theater in elongating the Indo-Pak tiff looks like fait accompli. Trump’s references to India have just added a new layer to already-touted proxy war between Islamabad and Delhi in Afghanistan. Adding China and the re-assertive Russia in the mix would make the Afghan conundrum more complex.