Dr Mansoor Akbar Kundi (Expert on International Relations): Peace in Afghanistan is vital for peace in Pakistan and the entire region.  Both Pakistan and Afghanistan should make joint efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism.   Islamabad and Kabul should take joint steps to further strengthen Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Management to stop cross border terrorism.  The Afghan government has failed to establish its writ of the state in the war-torn country.  Over 60 percent area of Afghanistan is still under the control of terror groups, including the Afghan Taliban and ISIS militants. The United States has failed to achieve its desired objective in Afghanistan through use of military force and spending huge money during the last 17 years. Politically-negotiated settlement to the Afghan conflict is the only option to promote peace in the war-torn country.  Military cooperation of Pakistan with other Central Asian countries, including China and Russia, is strengthening with each passing day.

Dr Muhammad Khan (Expert on International Relations): Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world. It is quite unfortunate that Pakistan is blamed whenever any terror incident occurs in Afghanistan.  Pakistan and Afghanistan should jointly fight the menace of terrorism. Peace in Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan, but of the entire region.  Destabilization in Afghanistan can only benefit terror groups and other anti-state elements in the war-torn country.  Afghanistan should stop pointing fingers towards Pakistan and start working with Islamabad to overcome terrorism.  Kabul should pay heed towards threats emanating from internal forces.