Maulana Fazal Rahman’s trip to Afghanistan; Achievements and Limitations

By: Mohammad Daoud Ishaqzahi “Yousfi”

Maulana Fazal Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema Islam Pakistan, competed a noteworthy trip to Afghanistan upon the invitation of the authorities of the Islamic Emirate. This visit has garnered significant attention from the media and political experts, sparking speculation and rumors. While some analysts view the trip as lacking concrete achievements, others see it optimistically as a potentially fruitful encounter. The government of Pakistan, however, has deemed it a personal visit with no official endorsement. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that such a trip would occur without some level of coordination and consideration of the Pakistani government’s policies.

The people of Afghanistan and Pakistan share numerous cultural and religious values, fostering a longstanding relationship between the two nations. This connection has led to many Afghans residing in Pakistan as immigrants and attending religious and modern educational institutions there. Consequently, many current Afghan government officials are graduates of these schools. Thus, it is natural for Pakistani intellectual and political figures to travel to Afghanistan, engaging in close meetings with officials of the Islamic Emirate to exchange views on important matters of the two countries.

Maulana Fazal Rehman’s journey to Afghanistan holds significance in its initial stage, transcending political affiliations due to his status as a scholar and religious figure so this point has its own positive effect, because the presence of righteous and good people becomes the cause of peace and unity, and benevolence and mutual thinking is a gift that is presented from both sides. Moreover, this trip has the potential to yield positive outcomes for both nations and their governments in two ways:

Firstly, Maulana Fazal Rehman’s esteemed position as a scholarly and religious personality holds significant influence among the scholars, government, and people of Pakistan. This factor carries tremendous weight and impact.

Secondly, Maulana Fazal Rehman has been a staunch supporter of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, both during the invasion of Afghanistan by Western forces and in the post-occupation period. This makes him a trusted personality among all Islamic Emirate officials, with the potential to play a crucial role in improving relations between the two countries and resolving misunderstandings. Based upon these factors many political experts consider his trip as important, expecting him to adopt a peaceful and conciliatory approach as a revered figure, bridging the tense situation between the two nations.

While such visits bring promise and reassurance, it is essential to recognize that the government of Pakistan has initiated significant measures to exert pressure on the Afghan government. These measures include

1. The sudden deportation of Afghan immigrants without adequate notice;
2. Restricting Afghan entry into Pakistan without visas;
3. Intensifying trade market conditions, putting pressure on Afghan businessmen.

Additionally, the recent visit of General Seyed Asim Munir, Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army, to the United States, along with Thomas West’s trip to Pakistan, it seems that the government of Pakistan has not achieved the desired result and the Pakistani government’s pursuit of increased pressure on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and potential appeals to the Security Council. These efforts aim to constrain the Afghan government’s actions and discourage any reactions by applying various pressures.

It is worth noting that while some may perceive Maulana Fazal Rehman’s trip as a precursor to an argument with the Islamic Emirate and a prelude to a military attack in specific areas of Afghanistan, such a possibility is unlikely and it would be a grave miscalculation for the Pakistani army. Engaging in conflict with the Afghan government would incur heavy costs and repercussions for Pakistan. Furthermore, internal opponents within Pakistan would exploit such a situation, strengthening their influence.

Another crucial consideration is that in recent years, the United States has exerted pressure on the Pakistani government to provide a base for its forces, which Pakistan has declined. Consequently, the United States does not mind if Pakistan becomes insecure, as it would facilitate achieving its goals more easily and at a lower cost.

In any case, the purpose of the Islamic Emirate delegation’s visit to Islamabad and Maulana Fazal Rehman’s invitation to Kabul is an attempt to improve relations with Pakistan, which have deteriorated in recent months due to increased attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan. Although Pakistan accuses the Islamic Emirate of providing support and shelter to the TTP, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has consistently refuted these baseless allegations.

Both wise moves by the Afghan government indicate that the Islamic Emirate has no intention of escalating tensions with its neighbors and instead seeks de-escalation, firmly believing that dialogue is the only solution to problems.

Amidst the fluctuations and uncertainties, Maulana Fazal Rehman’s journey thus far has been of great significance, yielding achievements. His ability to effectively convey the message of the Islamic Emirate to the government of Pakistan can dispel misunderstandings. Furthermore, his meeting with the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan carries an important message for resolving the issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.