Ahead of the complete US withdrawal in September, Afghanistan is showing no signs of healing, with neither side across the political divide anywhere close to a negotiated settlement.

Pakistan, a key player and neighbour with deep nodes in Afghanistan, but aware that there are deep suspicions about its real intention in Kabul and in the region, is making a serious attempt to change its image.

In his recent visit to Kabul, Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa sought to convey the impression that it had broken away from the nineties era when Islamabad, one among the three countries had recognised a theocratic Afghanistan, which became a safe haven of training international terrorists, including Osama bin Laden led Al Qaeda. That era ended when Al Qaeda destroyed the twin-towers in New York in 2001, triggering the Global War on Terror under the Bush administration in the US.

In his meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Bajwa made all the right noises.  “We will always support ‘Afghan-led-Afghan-owned’ peace process based on mutual consensus of all stakeholders,” Bajwa told the Afghan President.

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But it was Ghani, recapping his conversation, who declared that he was told by his Pakistani interlocutor that Islamabad does not endorse the Taliban's “Islamic Emirate”. Ghani said that the role of countries in the region, especially Pakistan, is critical for peace in Afghanistan due to its influence on the warring group. The Afghan president also told Bajwa that stability in both nations is connected, signalling that any move by Pakistan to play mischief could seriously backfire.

The political distance between the Afghan government and the Taliban also remains far from bridged, with the Ghani government accusing the insurgent  for the recent surge in violence. On Thursday when Eid prayers were held, Ghani said he would like to ask the Taliban a very important question, “What is your (Taliban) message, what do you want, why are you destroying the districts and provinces? Show us one district where you have complete control and have built something.”  Afghan media Tolo news report quoted Ghani, “Let's see the Taliban's intention,” Ghani said, referring to the peace efforts. “All the politicians want an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.” 

Nevertheless, he urged the Taliban to end the war, adding that “the people's arms are open to them”. “The Taliban cannot have a better chance than this as the international troops are leaving the country,” he said.

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Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada in an Eid message called upon "Afghans in the opposition ranks" to end all attempts for continuing the war. "We must unite upon Islamic injunctions and protect ourselves from all discord and prejudice," he said. Akhundzada added that "the arms of the Islamic Emirate are wide open for all Afghans that have previously stood in opposition to us." But engaging in a war of words Ghani asked the Taliban leader to study the country's history "before issuing messages and asking the people to surrender.”  Ghani went on to blame the Taliban for the recent terror attacks. “Our people know who is responsible for blasts and suicide attacks,” Ghani said. “We don’t want destruction, we want development.” 

Meanwhile, the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad reiterated that Afghan peace negotiations should be accelerated, so Afghans could reach a political settlement and put an end to this “senseless” war.

“The Taliban spoke to the US and the European group in Berlin this week by video. They said they don’t see a military solution and say that the only option is a political one. Both sides have to be realistic about finding common ground. If there is no peace agreement, the alternative is not a Taliban victory. It is a long war,” Khalilzad said.