The second meeting of the CRSS-WPSO project Beyond Boundaries Phase II, Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Committee (PAJC) was held at Mazar-e- Sharif on Monday 14 November, 2016.
The PAJC, reviewing the policy recommendations from the first meeting, deliberated in detail on the important issues of peace and security, refugees, media cooperation, movement of goods and people across the two countries, facilitation of trade, visa restrictions and educational scholarships, in particular.
The two groups of the PAJC agreed and approved the following policy recommendations:
Peace and Security
Both recognized that the relations between the two neighboring countries have deteriorated to the detriment of their respective interests. Both sides reiterated the desire for both governments to take concrete measures against movement of terrorists across the two countries, including the need to address the root causes of terrorism in the interest of peace and stability not only in the two countries but also in the region.
Refugees
Both sides took note of the recent episode of Sharbat Gula which necessitates the need to evolve a legal mechanism for the benefit of vulnerable Afghan refugees especially a) females/ spouses, b) children born in Pakistan, c) protection of their properties and movable assets as per law.
Both sides agreed to urge their respective governments to ensure repatriation of Afghan refugees with dignity and honor; particularly for Afghan investors, students, medical and other deserving categories.
Trade
The Afghan Pakistan Trade Transit Agreement (APTTA) is under negotiation between the respective ministries of the two countries. Both sides urged their respective governments for early finalization of the APTTA review.
Education/ Scholarship Programmes
Given the inadequate opportunities for girl students to seek higher education in Afghanistan, it was emphasized that at least 10% of the 3000 scholarships announced by the government of Pakistan at Brussels NATO summit for Afghan students may be earmarked for girl students. The Pakistan side agreed to explore possibilities with private Pakistani universities of scholarships for Afghan students, particularly LUMS and Beacon House University for grant of 25 to 30 post graduate scholarships.
Pakistan funded projects in Afghanistan
The Pakistan group visited two under construction projects in Kabul, namely Jinnah Hospital, and Rehman Baba School and Hostel. The group agreed to take up issues related to timely completion of the projects with the Planning Commission of Pakistan. Furthermore, both sides agreed to lobby with the Afghan authorities that the medical equipment being imported for installation at Jinnah Hospital should be exempted from customs and other duties by the Afghan government.
Media, Art & Culture
The two sides welcomed and appreciated the conferment of Presidential Award “Mir Bacha Khan Milli Medal” to the Pakistani singer Mr. Khayal Mohammed for his services to promote the Pashtun music. They recommended that Pakistan government may consider honoring the legendary Afghan singer Nashinaz with an appropriate Award. Both sides agreed that efforts should be made to pursue with private channels of the two countries for opening of bureau offices, namely GEO/ARY and TOLO in the major cities of the two countries.
In order to improve bilateral relations it was recommended that:
i) Youth exchange programmes – encouraging youth from both countries to be guests with Pakistani and Afghan families, as the case may be
ii) Journalists’ short exchange programms be organized for better understanding of each other’s perspective
iii) Cultural programmes may be organised to facilitate participation of prominent singers like Rahim Shah, Zeb
Bangash, Hadiqa Kayani, Farishta, Samaa, Wali Fateh Ali Khan student, Ariana Saeed etc. Live Concert coverage in partnership with PTV and Tolo may also be arranged
iv) Holding of bilateral series for the T20 –Matches between the two national teams