Responding to Kabul

Karzai's reckless accusations reflect an unstable mind. He is wrong in thinking that ISI is a government within a government or the Pakistan military is a state within a state. He conjectures that these vital state institutions can do to whatever they like, and are not under the control of the federal government. Such inference and accusations are wrong and unacceptable and need a proper response. The accusation of involvement of Pakistani agencies in terrorist activities in Afghanistan, and in the bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul, must be substantiated by Kabul and Delhi. Clear evidence and proof must be provided and submitted for official and public scrutiny.

On the other hand, the activities of the Afghan Taliban have intensified. The Taliban are on the offensive, despite the immense NATO military and air power. Earlier on July 13, the Afghan Taliban attacked NATO-Afghan military post killing scores of soldiers. Intensifying the blame game Karzai remarked, "We have told the government of Pakistan that killing of the people of Afghanistan, destruction of bridges is being carried out by Pakistan's intelligence and military departments. I will take revenge very soon. I am telling the enemy of Afghanistan (Pakistan) that we will protect the honour of this country.... ISI has turned Pakistan into the biggest exporter of terrorism and extremism to the world, particularly Afghanistan."

At a meeting of the Afghan cabinet, presided by President Karzai, it was decided to suspend all contacts and meetings with Pakistan till the restoration of confidence between the two countries. Karzai remarked, "Hence-forth Afghan officials will not take part in any of the forth coming meetings in Dubai, Islamabad or Kabul with Pakistan." Karzai's inimical accusations and threats have poisoned relations between the two neighbours, to the delight of the ill wishers of Pakistan.

PM Gilani has rejected Karzai's allegations, rightly saying, "A stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan, and Karzai's statement may hamper development work in the region." The ministry of foreign affairs has also denied the accusations as baseless, urging the Kabul government to stop playing the blame game. Islamabad desires cordial relations with Kabul. Despite Karzai's provocative accusations, Pakistan must pursue the policy of peace with Afghanistan, vigorously.