Dr. Rasul Bakhsh Rais (IR Expert): Taliban do not recognize Kabul government. Biden Administration has indicated to complete troops withdrawal by September this year. Two major stakeholders in Afghanistan are Kabul government and Taliban. A major swathe of Afghan territory is under the control of Taliban and they are gaining more areas. Other ethnic groups comprising Northern Alliance are also important stakeholders in the country. Pakistan has been affected by war in Afghanistan being the neighbor. If civil war breaks out in that country after the pulling out of foreign troops, Pakistan is likely to suffer again. Americans came to Afghanistan to prevent al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups taking advantage of power vacuum in that country.

Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): Pakistan has a principled stand on Afghanistan and has always played a key role in peaceful settlement of Afghan crisis. It participated in all forums as part of collective efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country. Pakistan shares the longest border with Afghanistan and is a major stakeholder. Meeting of Army Chief with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is very important in the current scenario. It will help in peaceful settlement of Afghan crisis. Now the US troops are withdrawing and if no consensus is reached for power sharing, it could lead to civil war and Pakistan being the immediate neighbor might suffer the consequences. Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices in war against terrorism and it is high time that the international community provides material support to Islamabad. A prosperous and economically stable Pakistan will be in a better position to thwart any threat of terrorism.

Dr. Farooq Hasnat (IR Expert): The decision of troops withdrawal by the US has been made in haste. Who will be responsible for all the mayhem created in Afghanistan? There are many criminal groups active in Afghanistan that are responsible for violence. Present Afghan government is not willing to cede power and unless there is broader power sharing, peace cannot come to that country. We should be careful about the role of spoilers that want to derail the peace process.