ASIA/PAKISTAN – Director of the Peace Center: “Pakistan and Afghanistan should seek what unites them, not what divides them”

Lahore – “There are still tensions, skirmishes, and clashes along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan as they try to find ways of dialogue and negotiation. We should remember that these are two countries in the same region, with cultural commonalities and affinities, and that they are Muslim-majority countries, which is another point of common ground. They should seek what unites them, not what divides them, and be allies in the fight against the common enemy, terrorism, and build mutually beneficial political and economic relations,” Dominican Father James Channan, director of the Peace Center in Lahore, which promotes interreligious dialogue and peace, told Fides. Following the fighting a month ago and the ceasefire signed in Qatar on October 19, delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan met in Turkey to confirm the truce. However, cross-border fighting continues, complicating the negotiations.
Father Channan adds: “It’s important to remember that Pakistan has welcomed over 3 million Afghan refugees in recent years, who fled their country due to war and instability. For years, Pakistan has provided these refugees with refuge and protection, and now there are repatriation programs. The country has extended a hand to Afghanistan; now it must address the problem of extremist groups or elements that are causing trouble, attacking military and civilian positions, and sowing confusion and outrage in Pakistan.”
Furthermore, the Dominican explains: “Since the Taliban came to power in Kabul, a strict regime has been evident, for example, in the restrictions on women’s rights and in many other areas. Bilateral cooperation has become more difficult, and given the violence, public opinion in Pakistan is also less inclined to tolerate provocations from across the border.”
“It is clear in Pakistani society that the radicals are disrupting coexistence and tearing apart the social fabric. They must be stopped, both at home and abroad,” the religious says. “In this context,” Father Channan continues, “our work at the Peace Center in Lahore focuses primarily on young people, both culturally and in terms of raising their consciences so they can distance themselves from extremist, violent, or terrorist acts and ideas. We must patiently continue working to educate for dialogue, coexistence, and peace. The recent tensions with Afghanistan reinforce our conviction that this is our mission. Violence is never the solution, and as Pope Leo recently said, only peace is sacred.”
Pakistan accuses Kabul of providing refuge to terrorist groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan , which it blames for the attacks. Afghanistan denies the accusations. According to the United Nations, a total of 50 civilians were killed and another 447 injured in the week-long fighting in October. At least five people died in explosions in Kabul.

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