Joint Declaration

Afghanistan – Pakistan Track 1.5/II

Third Meeting of the Regional Civil Society Group – Joint Declaration

February 8-9, 2016, Bhurban

The following is a joint declaration from the Regional Civil Society Groups, February 9, 2016, Bhurban:

Building upon the points of the Joint Declarations of the first two meetings held in November and December 2015, the delegates;

  • Welcomed the Quadrilateral dialogue and the decision taken by respective states to hold another session on Feb 23rd 2016 in the hope that the process continues with added transparency and in line with globally accepted fundamental values, that the Taliban would attend the session as interlocutors, and two that women’s
  • perspective would be taken into consideration in the forthcoming Quadrilateral discussions
  • Highlighted the following factors which could disrupt the Quadrilateral dialogue and bilateral relations:
  1. Afghan perception of Pakistan support to Afghan Taliban. Conversely, Pakistan’s perception of Afghan lack of action against elements involved in subversive activities in Pakistan
  2. Interplay of ideology and money in sponsoring terrorism
  3. The evolution of radical organizations in the region
  4. Possible escalation of violence
  5. The anticipated spring offensive
  6. The politicization of the refugees issue
  7. Sensationalized reporting
  8. Reluctance of action on both sides against unconstitutional non-state actors
  • Emphasized the need to promote cultural ties by building on existing historical linkages, organizing seminars, exchange of visits of writers, students, opinion makers, organizing cultural and literary events, concerts, developing films and documentaries. And expand the scope of these activities beyond Islamabad and Kabul, with the broader aim of creating a conducive ambiance for people to people relationship and strengthening impulses for peace, stability and cooperation
  • Given the significance of free media, and with the aim of orienting bilateral relations in a positive direction, delegates emphasized upon institutions and think tanks to jointly conceive media projects and organize exchange of journalists
  • Underscored the need to set up a Joint Afghan Pakistan Civil Society Working Group for long term cooperation
  • Emphasized on the need for both countries to review their educational curriculum in order promote tolerance, peace and civic education
  • Recommended that human rights be protected of Afghan Refugees with special emphasis on facilitating their voluntary repatriation to their homeland
  • Underscored educational collaboration and urged their respective governments to develop a comprehensive and transparent program for scholarly exchange between two countries. These may include, scholarships (up to PhD level), visiting scholar programs and alumni networking on both sides, through engagement of credible and reputable educational institutions
  • Emphasized the need for twinning of sister cities between the two countries
  • Underscored enabling environment to facilitate private sector investment in building standard medical facilities in Afghanistan to reduce the difficulties of Afghan nationals in need of quality medical treatment
  • Emphasized on the need for improved economic relations by facilitating the business visa regime, increasing trade through facilitation of transit routes, and expeditious completion of all infrastructural projects to which Pakistan is committed
  • Emphasized the need to help shape the prevailing negative narrative into a positive and mature relationship through people to people contacts and effective role of civil society towards confidence building measures