While the United States (US) is facing a dilemma over the current situation in Afghanistan, the 9th ministerial meeting of Heart of Asia—Istanbul Process (HOA-IP) will kickstart from March 29. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi will lead Pakistan in the regional initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey.
The main theme of the conference will be finding a way out for a secure and stable Afghanistan so that regional security, economic and political cooperation centred on Afghanistan can be promoted. Thus, the FM will visit with regional cooperation and the Afghan peace process in mind, as Pakistan’s role is very crucial on the two subjects.
However, the key question relates to engagement with India on the sidelines of the conference. Some experts fear that New Delhi might try to turn the meeting into yet another event of Pakistan-bashing as it did in 2016. But others are optimistic that the two sides might use the forum to bury the acrimonious past and look forward to a more cooperative future.
Barcelona pay tribute to Cruyff on anniversary of death
This optimism stems from the recent message of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Bajwa and sporadic reports of a “secret India-Pakistan Peace Roadmap” brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the COAS, stabilised Indo-Pak relations can unlock the potential of South and Central Asia.
Given that both the civilian government and the military want to cultivate friendly ties with India, the ball is in New Delhi’s court. Pakistan has once again shown to the world that it has always an appetite for peace.
The latest telephonic conversation between the US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and COAS Bajwa where the former lauded Pakistan’s commendable efforts for Afghan peace is a fresh piece of evidence showing Pakistan’s desire for regional peace and stability. If New Delhi reciprocates Pakistan’s warm gesture, the two countries can emerge as the leading drivers of regional cooperation and progress.
Source: https://nation.com.pk/24-Mar-2021/heart-of-asia