The recent co-operation between the Pakistani military and the Afghan National Army is a 'game changer', analysts say.
ISLAMABAD – Militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan have a great deal to fear now that the Pakistani and Afghan militaries are working together to eliminate militancy in the region.
"They – the ANA and Pakistani military – have not signed any formal agreement yet but have discussed how to handle terrorists hiding in the border regions," Pakistani Brig (ret.) Muhammad Saad told Central Asia Online.
"The intent [of co-operation] is there on both sides … and it is a very positive development," said Saad, who served as a defence attaché in Kabul.
Both militaries have the potential to bring peace if they co-operate, University of Peshawar political scientist Ijaz Khattak said. "It is a real game changer and a huge step in the right direction."
Reasons for change in Pak-Afghan affairs
The relationship between Kabul and Islamabad remained sour for years, each side accusing the other of providing safe haven to terrorists. But recent events have caused the two to come together.
The Peshawar school massacre in December is one of the incidents that changed the thinking of military and political leadership in both countries. However, the process was already well under way as new leadership in Pakistan and Afghanistan saw the potential benefits from working together.
Soon after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's inauguration last year, senior Pakistani officials including military chief Gen. Raheel Sharif visited Kabul to seek co-operation in trade and security. And Pakistan's military leaders continue to visit Kabul. "The successive visits … over this short span of time are unprecedented," Brig. (ret.) Ishaq said.
The trips were not one sided.
"Ghani [setting aside protocol] opened a new chapter of co-operation and understanding by visiting the Pakistani army's General Headquarters in Rawalpindi," Ishaq added.
The steps taken by the Afghan government so far are extraordinary by all standards, and they continue to send positive signals, Pakistani Brig. (ret.) Mehmood Shah said. "The Afghan National Army [the ANA] is ready to co-operate, and Kabul has already addressed several of Pakistan's concerns."
Pakistan, meanwhile, is returning the favour by offering to train and equip Afghan military officers. Afghanistan hasn't responded officially but is sending positive signals, Shah said.
More than talk
The meetings have resulted in forceful action against militants.
"Following the school massacre, Afghan forces launched a big anti-militant operation in Kunar Province," Khattak said.
The operation is likely the result of a meeting that took place between Gen. Raheel and Ghani shortly after the school attack. Raheel reportedly shared intelligence about Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts and the possible location of the group's chief, Mullah Fazlullah.
The growing co-operation between the Pakistani army and the ANA, if carried forward with true intent, could change the security environment in the region, Khattak said.
"They [the ANA] took prompt action against militants who [according to intelligence reports] carried out the Peshawar massacre," Saad said.
Since last June, Pakistan has been hitting militants hard in North Waziristan as part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Troops carrying out the massive operation helped Afghanistan by dismantling Haqqani Network hideouts in North Waziristan Agency.
"The Haqqanis will never be allowed to use Pakistani soil against Afghanistan in the future," Shah said.
Pakistan also has targeted Afghan militants, their hideouts and sympathisers in the settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
"Raids have been conducted on Afghan Taliban hideouts in Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Peshawar; and Quetta," Saad said.
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