Pakistan has rejected Afghan allegations that its security officials were involved in recent fighting in northern Afghanistan.”The allegations leveled by an Afghan official are totally unfounded, baseless, uncalled for and mischievous,” a military spokesman said Tuesday.The Taliban had briefly overrun northern Afghan city of Kunduz more than a week ago in an attack that surprised many in and outside Afghanistan because it was the first time the insurgents captured an urban center in 14 years. Afghan security forces retook the city three days later and are currently engaged in clearing operations. Afghan National Army deputy chief of staff Gen. Murad Ali Murad, who is in Kunduz, said that the battle was planned and executed from Pakistan by the ISI. Afghan deputy army chief of staff General Murad Ali Murad also alleged that Pakistani security forces and intelligence agency helped the Taliban plan and executed the multi-pronged assault on the strategically-located city. The Afghan security establishment continues to blame Pakistan; since its alleged support and shelter is the bedrock of the Afghan insurgency. But, now, news appearing in the American press that Mullah Mansour runs businesses out of Quetta, and Dubai, is another embarrassment for Pakistan, at least. If true, it bolsters Afghan and American suspicions even if there is still no evidence linking Pakistan support to the Taliban’s war fortunes. The insurgency was potent enough before the peace talks began. This was the first year after the allied pullout, which gave the Spring Offensive a psychological as well as logistical boost.
However, rather than beat the old drum and ask Pakistan to do more, the international community must consider the delicacy of the situation and try to press for peace at least one more time. The fall of Kunduz, however temporary, proved that there is some time before the government can enforce its writ on much of the country, especially militarily. And it proves that the Taliban, after almost a decade and a half of war, are once again on the rise. If, at this point, Pakistan really possesses the power to bring warring parties to negotiations, as it did in Murree, then this option must be explored in detail. Surely the government as well as militants realise the great toll this war has taken on the country, and both would want to minimise any chances of further human suffering. Hopefully a calculated path forward will be found, instead of the usual blame game.
pk.shafaqna.com
