It is highly encouraging to note that the US has extended its valuable support to the Afghan peace process. The onus of responsibility lies with the US more with any regional and non-regional country or countries. There are valid reasons for such an argument. It was Washington that abandoned a whole lot of Mujahideen following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. It miserably failed to establish peace in this war-torn and land-locked country after its invasion of Kabul soon after the 9/11. It is, therefore, required to contribute toward Pakistan-China efforts in a meaningful manner.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has rightly pointed out that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would become a harbinger of regional stability and economic integration, which will not only create a favourable environment for greater trade and energy connectivity, but also stimulate cross-regional exchanges.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2016