Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ejaz Awan (Defense Analyst): The US-led international troops have finally decided to withdraw from Afghanistan after a period of almost two decades. Afghan nation and Afghanistan as a country have been badly polarized. There are many ethnic groups in the country including Uzbek, Tajik, Pashtuns, Hazara and others. It is a fact that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan will benefit all regional countries. The Central Asian states will gain advantage as their oil and gas pipeline projects will be completed. Similarly, Iran will also benefit if there is peace and stability in the land-locked country. Peace and stability in Afghanistan will lead to regional development and trade among the countries will flourish.  Three superpowers including Great Britain, USSR and now the United States and its allies had to leave Afghanistan. Pakistan supports Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process as no one can run Afghan affairs against the will of Afghan people.

Brig. (Retd.) Mehmood Shah (Defense Analyst): State institutions in Afghanistan are not active and infrastructure is in dilapidated condition. The Afghan stakeholders should sit together to find ways to bring peace and stability in their country. The ministers of incumbent Afghan government are alleging and blaming Pakistan to hide behind the failure of their own policies. International analysts predict that after withdrawal of the US and its allies from Kabul, there will be a situation of chaos and anarchy that may lead to a civil war. It is responsibility of Afghan leadership to chalk out ways to keep the situation under control after withdrawal of international troops. The United States is of the opinion that nation-building in Afghanistan is not its responsibility. The Washington has imposed its pro leadership in Afghanistan. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah is co-President in Afghanistan but has made no contribution there. Had the local leadership been empowered in the government, the situation would have been drastically different.

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Defense Analyst): The world frequently talks about rule of law, international norms and human rights but the fact is that these rules are applicable on weaker states only while the world powers openly violate these laws or use them for their own interests. The Kashmiri brethren will have to continue their just struggle and if necessary start an armed resistance against the occupying forces. In past, the United Nations Security Council passed resolutions supporting the Kashmiris’ right to decide their future through plebiscite. However, the UNSC is playing the role of a silent spectator and has failed to implement its resolutions to grant Kashmiris their right to self-determination. Pakistan stands with Kashmiri brethren and will continue to extend its diplomatic, moral and political support to them.

Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan (Former Prime Minister, AJK): It is a very encouraging development from the US House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs. Kashmiris are continuing their struggle to realize their fundamental right to self-determination. In past, the world has completely ignored the sacrifices and efforts of Kashmiris. The present Indian government is involved in flagrant human rights violations not only in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir but within other parts of the country as well. I hope the voices raised in the US House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs will put political and diplomatic pressure on India to stop committing human rights violations. Kashmiris are determined to carry out their freedom struggle from illegal Indian occupation. International community must ensure the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir issue. The regional and international powers should understand the sensitivity of the issue and take serious steps to resolve it. The world powers must reconsider their encouragement towards India and force New Delhi to stop committing human rights violations in IIOJ&K.