Current Projects
Af-Pak Traders Demand Reopening of Border; Appreciate CRSS Efforts for Dialogue
A delegation of traders from both Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Islamabad to discuss issues of mutual interest and on-going tensions between both the countries. The delegations not only discussed the negative impact of Pakistan’s Torkham border closure, but also called upon the Pakistani government to reopen the border crossing with immediate effect. A six-member delegation of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or ACCI, visiting Islamabad, met with Pakistani counterparts on Monday to discuss problems and damages the border closure has caused The delegations met as part of Beyond Boundaries- a CRSS led project focusing on Afghanistan Pakistan Tack 1.5/2 diplomacy – to discuss difficulties arising out of the abrupt closure of Af-Pak border on February 17, 2017. The meeting took note with grave concern that the border has been closed for 5 times during the short span of approximately 8 months since June 2016. The latest closure comes at a time of high diplomatic tensions between both the countries. The group members comprised of representatives from private and business sectors of both the countries and reiterated and understood the need for maintaining border security. Yet they also emphasized that measures to ensure security may not be continued at the beset of hurting the economic and social ties across the border, such a sudden closure of borders. Keeping in view this situation, the forum highly urged both Governments: To immediately open the border for the clearance of stranded cargo from port to borders and restart the border trade activities. To consult a joint committee, formulated at the level of a forum, comprising private sector and think tanks from both countries. The committee should act as an advisory mechanism which the Governments may consult for advice before taking extreme measures such as closure of borders or revision of economic policies in general. Having such a committee would ensure that business activities don’t come...
Russia Hints at Involving US in Talks on Afghanistan
Russia has hinted at involving the United States in a newly-launched regional dialogue Moscow says is aimed at seeking a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The move comes as Afghanistan’s national security adviser is due to visit Moscow to discuss the prospects for promoting reconciliation with armed opposition in his country. Moscow’s stepped up Afghan diplomacy stems from its concerns that a protracted conflict is encouraging Islamic State militants to establish a foothold in the war-torn country and export terrorism to neighboring Central Asian states that ultimately could threaten Russian security. In December, the Russian government hosted senior foreign ministry officials from China and Pakistan for the first time to discuss ways to encourage direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. The participants also exchanged views on how to collectively work to contain “spillover” effects of terrorism. Kabul strongly objected being left out of the trilateral meeting, however, while U.S. officials also questioned Russia’s intentions for organizing the talks. The criticism and skepticism prompted Moscow to expand the format of the dialogue to include Afghanistan, along with Iran and India, in the next meeting it hosted last month. Involving more partners “At its next stage we think it will be important to, in a timely fashion, involve in that same process our Central Asian partners as well as the United States,” said Vladimir Safronkov, the Russian deputy ambassador to the United Nations, on Friday. He was addressing a U.N. Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan. Safronkov reiterated that the consultations are working out “a single regional approach” to “reinvigorate” the Afghan reconciliation process. He made the remarks on a day when the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar will visit Moscow March 17 for talks with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. “The officials will...
Cases of Violence Against Women Remain Unabated
The issue of violence against women in Afghanistan remains alarming as thousands of women become the victim of some sort of violence each year in the country. The Prosecution Office of Violence against Women announced a couple of days ago that it had registered more than 2,400 cases of violence against females during the outgoing year (Hijri Shamsi calendar). Of these cases 1375 were recorded in Kabul, 125 in Balkh, 250 in Herat, 116 in Nangarhar, 17 in Logar, 80 in Kapisa, 28 in Samangan, 31 in Bamyan, 37 in Jawzjan provinces and the remaining incidents happened in Ghor, Panjsher, Sar-i-Pul, Maidan Wardak, Paktia, Nimroz, Farah, Parwan and Badakhshan provinces. Though the numbers show a decline in the recorded cases as compared to last year wherein 3,500 cases of violence against women were recorded, they are still very high and alarming. It is also important to note that these numbers do not include all the incidences of violence against women and it is more tragic to know that only few of these cases are referred to the courts for follow-up. Another major point of concern is the fact that there has not been speedy justice in response to the cases of violence against women. The cases that are brought to the law enforcement agencies are not pursued with proper vigor and determination and the result is that the culprits easily get away with their crimes. If the culprits are caught on time and they are brought to justice this will give a very clear message and will enhance the confidence of the people on the justice system. This can also be helpful in encouraging those victims who never go the law enforcement agencies to file their complaints against different types of violence that are carried out against them. Nevertheless, their experiences have shown to them that their tribal norms and values and the draconian code of conduct that rule over their society stand more powerful than the hold of the justice that can be provided to them through the police or court of...
Officials of Pak-Afghan Joint Chambers of Commerce Call for Immediate Opening of the Pak-Afghan Border
“On behalf of the Afghan business community, let me affirm that we are entirely in favor of doing business with Pakistan since we share the same religion, language and culture. However, the abrupt closing of the Pak-Afghan border by Pakistan leaves Afghanistan to look towards other countries which are equally willing to engage in trade with Afghanistan,” said Mr. Ahmad Shah Yarzada, a member of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), during the meeting of Pakistan-Afghanistan Business/ Trade Delegations as part of Beyond Boundaries II, a track I.5/II dialogue series undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in partnership with Afghan counterpart Women Peace and Security Organization (WPSO) to foster better understanding and cooperation between the two neighbors, soothe bitter context and address the trust deficit between Afghanistan and Pakistan. A six-member Afghan delegation from ACCI arrived from Kabul to meet with representatives from Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). The meeting focused on the early restoration of the bilateral and transit trade by both business chambers on each side of the border, particularly at Torkham and Chaman, and the difficulties arising out of the abrupt closure of Af-Pak border on February 17, 2017. The joint delegation took note with grave concern that the border had been closed for 5 times during the short span of approximately 8 months since June 2016. Officials from both sides cited figures of losses incurred by the business communities of both countries since the recent closure of Af-Pak border. Representatives from both countries unanimously agreed to call on the Government of Pakistan to immediately open the border for the clearance of stranded cargo from port to borders. Both sides reiterated the significance of national sanctity and security and supported all measures that...
CHINA WATCH [MARCH 7-13] 13,000 JOBS
China’s ambassador to Islamabad Sun Weidong has said that projects under CPEC has created 13,000 local jobs. Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa has assured that security forces were “fully prepared”to counter all the security challenges to projects of the CPEC and Chinese nationals living in Pakistan. An official of China’s Communist Party Ma Xiangwu has said that despite India’s “cleaner record compared to Pakistan” in the domain of nuclear proliferation, Pakistan should not be discriminated against. China’s provincial governments have shown increasing interest in President Xi Jinping’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative. A report by a brokerage house, Topline Securities, has reckoned that Pakistan will end up paying $90 billion to China over the time period of 30 years against the loan and investment portfolio worth $50 billion under the CPEC. Pakistan Army inducted Chinese-built Low to Medium Altitude Air Defence System (LOMADS) LY-80 in its air defence system. 13,000 Jobs: China’s ambassador to Islamabad Sun Weidong has said that projects under CPEC has created 13,000 local jobs.[i] He pointed out that these jobs were created as a result of 18 projects that were under construction. Weidong added that CPEC was ‘open and inclusive’ and other countries could also benefit from it. The creation of thousands of jobs like these is a good news for Pakistan’s economy which over the years has seen dwindling foreign direct investments and plunging exports. However, the current economic figures have shown that dependence on China can not only be a solution to Pakistan’s economic ailments but also part of the problem. Indeed, CPEC-related imports are so astronomical that the country’s trade deficit or the gap between exports has reached the record high of $20.2 billion.[ii] CPEC Projects’ Security: Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa has assured that security forces were “fully prepared”to counter all the security challenges to projects of the CPEC and Chinese...
Pakistan Still Central to US Afghan Strategy
US President Donald Trump has been in office for almost two months yet he has not announced any policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Given his unpredictable nature and unorthodox approach, there were fears that President Trump might take some drastic foreign policy decisions on Afghanistan as well as on Pakistan. But contrary to such concerns, indications are that like previous administrations, the Trump government will heavily rely on Pakistan for achieving the elusive goal of peace and stability in neighbouring Afghanistan. First such hint of Pakistan’s pivotal role was dropped last Thursday by top US commander, who called for troop surge in Afghanistan, a decision if accepted by President Trump would once again bring Islamabad to the forefront. Interaction with Pakistan security and Foreign Office officials suggested that Islamabad would welcome any US decision to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan. The reason for Islamabad’s support stemmed from the fact that prolonged presence of US in Afghanistan means that Pakistan would remain relevant for the Trump administration. Testifying before the Senate last week, CENTCOM chief General Joseph Votel said military leaders were drawing up a new strategy that would require more American troops in Afghanistan. While stressing the need for staying engaged with Pakistan, the top general endorsed the assessment of Gen John Nicholson, the head of US mission in Afghanistan that America’s longest war was in a ‘stalemate.’ Since the US pulled out majority of its troops from Afghanistan in 2015-16, groups such as Islamic State have gained significant foothold in the war-torn country. The primary reason behind the growing presence of Da’ish is the fact that current number of US troops is not sufficient enough to deal with a daunting security challenge. Islamabad has always opposed precipitating the US withdrawal fearing that such an approach would be detrimental for Afghanistan’s stability. During the transition period,...
Making CPEC Inclusive and Sustainable
The CPEC project has the potential to change the country’s economy. However, viewed in the current global rejection of elite economics, some areas need to be addressed so its impact benefits a broader segment of our society. Ecological: One estimate often heard is that of 7,000 long haul container trucks passing, every day, through ecologically sensitive areas, such as those of Gilgit Baltistan. These will spew an estimated annual 36.5m tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, equal to 25pc of Pakistan’s current overall emissions. Many experts think that unless managed, these emissions will melt the GB glaciers and make the area a high altitude desert, have an adversely affect the locals’ health and disrupt tourist traffic. The trucks will also widely disturb water patterns in the rest of the country and impact agriculture. Containing this problem will require mandating emission control standards and shifting to hybrid and electric power. Doing so will unlock entrepreneurial opportunities as locals can setup micro-hydel stations to service electric vehicles, repowering stations in the GB and KP areas and similar mini solar powered repowering stations in Punjab and Balochistan. Furthermore, factories in the economic zone will add even more CO2 than that emitted by transport vehicles. The country could avail carbon credits, seek foreign assistance, and setup a regional market for trading carbon credits. Employment: The project will account for massive employment in the transportation and logistics sector (potentially more than 50,000 truck drivers). It will also employ many skilled workers in factories. However, it is logical to assume, unless planned otherwise, most of the skilled work will go to the Chinese. They will likely relegate to Pakistan, less exciting employment opportunities of cheap unskilled and part time labour. Operating in Pakistan, unskilled labourers cannot even expect the increment they get in GCC countries. It is imperative that the true value of this...
A Success Story Marred by Ghost Numbers: Afghanistan’s Inconsistent Education Statistics
For years, the Afghan government and donors have cited the growing number of children going to school in Afghanistan as an important post-Taleban success, despite closer scrutiny showing that numbers may have been inflated. The issue came to a head when the newly appointed education minister in the National Unity Government, Asadullah Hanif Balkhi, said that, instead of 11.5 million children being in school, as his predecessor had claimed, there were, in reality, only a little over six million. Education officials scrambled to clarify, defend and adjust the numbers. AAN’s Ali Yawar Adili has been investigating the figures and claims and trying to find out what the actual numbers might be. In the process, he has heard allegations not just of exaggeration, but manipulation, malpractice and mismanagement in the ministry (with input from Jelena Bjelica, Martine van Bijlert and Thomas Ruttig). The re-discovery of ghost schools, and some inflated figures Education Minister Asadullah Hanif Balkhi caused a public furore on 18 December 2016 when, in an interview with Tolo TV, he said that across the country only a little over six million pupils were actually in school. His count contradicted the ones provided by his predecessor under former president Hamed Karzai, Faruq Wardak, who had reported that up to 11.5 million pupils – almost double Balkhi’s number – were attending school. Such high numbers of school attendance had not only served the Afghan government as a marker of post-Taleban success, but also donor governments as proof that their engagement in Afghanistan, though difficult, was still worthwhile. (1) It was not the first time Balkhi had said the education numbers were inflated. Only a month after his appointment, on 27 May 2015, Balkhi testified before the Wolesi Jirga, that, in certain insecure areas, although there were no schools, money was still allocated (and spent), including for teachers’ salaries. He said he believed the ministry’s previous figure of...
“Sports resumption may ease Afghan- Pakistan tensions”
Members of a Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) led Pak-Afghan Track 1.5/11 have welcomed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s invitation to the victors of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Peshawar Zalmi. Javed Afridi, the PSL owner confirmed to the media that the Afghan president had invited the Zalmis for matches in Kabul mostly probably in May. “This invitation has triggered hopes that cricket may soon become a vehicle to ease tensions and pave way for the resumption of a meaningful and serious dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan shortly,” Pakistani members of the Beyond Boundaries initiative said in a statement. Cricket diplomacy is not new in South Asia as two former Presidents General Ziaul Haque and General Musharraf , too, used it to break the stalemate and initiate dialogue with India. “It seems President Ghani has taken a leaf from history with the expectation that goodwill thus generated at popular level may strengthen his hand to resume political dialogue with Pakistan,” a CRSS statement said, adding that such bilateral inter-action is very much in synch with the recommendations that nine meetings under Beyond Boundaries have produced. Beyond Boundaries, a project undertaken jointly by CRSS and its Afghan counterpart Women, Peace and Security Studies (WPSO). It includes Ms. Shazia Marri MNA, Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Maj. Gen. (retd) Ejaz Awan, Lt. Gen. (retd) Asif Yasin Malik, Ambassador Mian Sanaullah, Ambassador Qazi Humayun, and journalist Muhammad Tahir form the Pakistan side, and Sayed Ishaq Gailani former MP, Mozammil Shinwari former deputy Minister, Wazhma Frogh civil society activist, Palwasha Hassan civil society activist, Ketabullah Khpolwak Sapai TOLO TV, Abdul Hakeem Mujahid head of executive council of the High Peace Council; Elay Ershad MP, Khalid Pastoon MP, Fowzia Koofi MP, and Mr. Sami Mahdi TOLO TV. Under the Beyond Boundaries project’s Karachi visit of Afghan delegation in January 2107, the Chief Minister of Sind had agreed...
Afghan Weekly (Mar 03 – Mar 09, 2017)
Taliban’s political representatives are reported to have visited China last month; an anonymous Taliban source informed Pakistan’s Express Tribune that “The visit was part of the relations of the political office with European countries such as Norway, Germany, France, and Britain as well as neighboring and regional countries. But these relations are focused on bringing about peace in Afghanistan and resolving the issue through negotiations.”[1] The meeting came days after Deng Xijun, China’s special envoy to Afghanistan, met with senior Afghan leaders, including U.S.-backed President Ashraf Ghani in the Afghan capital of Kabul.[2] Meanwhile, Chinese ground troops are reportedly operating inside Afghanistan, conducting joint counter-terror patrols with Afghan forces along a 50-mile stretch of their shared border. This is fueling speculation that Beijing is preparing to play a considerably greater role in the country's security once the U.S. and NATO leave. Political commentators have debated on the reasons behind China’s move to bring troops inside the war-ravaged country. According to Sung-Yoon Lee, a professor at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, border security and broader stability are of prime concerns to China. In the wake of a US drawdown, China’s law enforcement actions inside Afghanistan in cooperation with Pakistan serve Beijing's interests quite well.[3] Strains between Islamabad and Kabul have also continued to persist. This week Pakistan lost five soldiers in a cross-border terrorist attack on three Pakistani border posts along the Pak-Afghan border. Pakistan Army reportedly killed over 15 suspected terrorists in their retaliatory action and injured 20 others, according to a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).[4] Pakistani authorities, however, decided to open up the border for two days, so that the stranded people on both sides could cross over. Resultantly, more than 51,000 Afghans and 4,900 Pakistanis returned to...
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TESTIMONIALS
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.