Pak should support U.S.- Afghan reconciliation process: Editorial

Islamabad, Apr 25 (ANI): An editorial in a Pakistan daily has said the country should support the reconciliation process between the militants and the governments in Kabul and Washington, instead of following the so-called policy of strategic depth, which has only brought about severe political, social and economic damage to the country.

Pakistan should use its strategic location to become the hub of the emerging trade and energy corridors serving the entire region and the world, said the editorial.

The editorial further said that there are many uncertainties about Afghanistan's future as the country has been in the grip of conflict for decades. Its political, economic and social structure is not strong enough to avoid the likelihood of a civil war after the 2014 deadline. The editorial added that in case a civil war breaks out in Afghanistan after the foreign forces leave, it would have a great impact on Pakistan.

According to the editorial, the consequent spillover of the conflict into Pakistan would be very dangerous, especially since the indigenous the Tehrik-i-Taliban, have reportedly found safe havens in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan, an area in which the Haqqani network is strong.

The havoc Pakistani Taliban have been wreaking in Pakistan with the help of the Afghan Taliban has already taken a huge toll on people's lives and the economy, the editorial said, adding that supporting Afghanistan and the US's latest joint initiative should be the country's prime interest. (ANI)