PAKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN

Transcription

1 PAKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN Parliamentarians' Dialogue III Report December 20-21, 2011; Islamabad, Pakistan

2 PAKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN Parliamentarians' Dialogue III Report December 20-21, 2011; Islamabad, Pakistan

3 PILDAT is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit indigenous research and training institution with the mission to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. PILDAT is a registered non-profit entity under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, Pakistan. Copyright Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency PILDAT All rights reserved Printed in Pakistan Published: December 2011 ISBN: Any part of this publication can be used or cited with a clear reference to PILDAT Published by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency - PILDAT Head Office: No. 7, 9th Avenue, F-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan Lahore Office: 45-A, Sector XX, 2nd Floor, Phase III Commercial Area, DHA, Lahore Tel: (+92-51) ; Fax: (+92-51) info@pildat.org; Web:

4 CONTENTS Abbreviation and Acronyms Foreword Introduction Pakistan-Afghanistan Parliamentarians Dialogue: December 20-21, 2011, Islamabad Appendices: Appendix A: Joint Declaration Appendix B: List of Afghanistan Delegation Appendix C: List of Pakistani Delegation Appendix D: Profiles of the Afghan Delegates

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6 Foreword ILDAT hosted the 6th round of Pakistan-Afghanistan Parliamentarians Dialogue in Islamabad on December 20-21, 2011 to bring together Afghan and Pakistani Parliamentarians to discuss the Afghan Transit Trade, Trade and Travel P between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Investment Opportunities by Investors of both countries and Prospects of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations in post-nato/us Forces withdrawal from Afghanistan. A delegation of 23 Afghan Parliamentarians, belonging to the Meshrano Jirga (Upper House) and Wolesi Jirga (Lower House) had a detailed dialogue with their Pakistani counterparts on the issues including the Afghan Transit Trade, Trade and Travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Investment Opportunities by Investors of both countries and Prospects of Pakistan- Afghanistan Relations in post-nato/us Forces withdrawal from Afghanistan. PILDAT conceptualised and initiated the project of building and deepening Parliamentary ties and relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Five joint workshops of Pakistani and Afghani Parliamentarians were held by PILDAT in 2008, 2009 and early Acknowledgments PILDAT would like to acknowledge the support provided by the British High Commission, Islamabad for the Dialogue and its related publications. Disclaimer PILDAT and its team of researchers have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this report and do not accept responsibility for any omission and error, as it is not deliberate. The views expressed in this report are those of the participants and are not necessarily shared by PILDAT or the British High Commission, Islamabad. Islamabad December

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8 Abbreviations and Acronyms APTTA FATA KPK MJ MNA MP NATO NGO PML-N PPPP WJ Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement Federally Administered Tribal Areas Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Meshrano Jirga Member of National Assembly Member of Parliament North Atlantic Treaty Organization None-Government Organisation Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian Wolesi Jirga 07

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10 IIntroduction The 6th round of Pakistan-Afghanistan Parliamentarians Dialogue was held in Islamabad on December 20-21, 2011 to bring together Afghan and Pakistani Parliamentarians to discuss the Afghan Transit Trade, Trade and Travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Investment Opportunities by Investors of both countries and Prospects of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations in post- NATO/US Forces withdrawal from Afghanistan and all other possible issues and concerns that affect the relations between the two countries. The dialogue is a continuation of PILDAT's commitment to strengthening Parliamentary ties and relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Earlier, five joint workshops of Pakistani and Afghani Parliamentarians have been facilitated by PILDAT since The broad objective behind the initiative has been to facilitate Parliaments of the two countries to develop a relationship based on greater interaction and dialogue with each other on bilateral and regional relations and issues of mutual interest. Honourable Senator Besmellah Afghanmal, Member of the Meshrano Jirga and Honourable Abdul Latif Pedram, co-chaired the Dialogue from Afghanistan while the other Afghan delegation included Senator Abdul Shakoor Shakoor, Senator Ahmad Bashir Samim, Senator Ahmad Mawen, Senator Bahram Samkani, Senator Baz Mohammad Zormati, Senator Malika Mayailzada, Senator Mohammad Amin Ahmadi, Senator Mohammad Asif Azime, Senator Namatullah Popal, Senator Sara Surkhabi, Mr. Abdul Samee Samim, Mr. Abdul Saboor Khedmat, Mr. Amir Mohammad Yar, Mr. Mohammad Nawab Mangal, Mr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai, Mrs. Najia Aimaq, Mrs. Nazifa Zaki, Sayed Ishaq Gailani, Mr. Sharifullah Kamawal, Haji Sher Ali Ahmadzai and Ms. Wagma Spay. 15 Pakistani MPs belonging to the Senate and the National Assembly engaged in a Dialogue with their Afghan counterparts. The dialogue focused on counter-terrorism strategies for the two countries. Pakistani Parliamentarians who engaged in the two-day Dialogue with their Afghan counterparts included Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, (Khber Pakhtunkhwa, PML) co-chair of the Dialogue from Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Jahangir Badar, (Punjab, PPPP); Senator Dr. Saeeda Iqbal, (Islamabad Capital Territory, PPPP); Senator S. M. Zafar, (Punjab, PML); Senator Maulana Mohammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, (FATA, ); Senator Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JUI); Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed Bhutta, MNA, NA-127, Lahore-X, Punjab, PML-N; Ms. Fauzia Wahab, MNA, NA-312, Sindh-V, Sindh, PPPP; Mr. Hamayun Saifullah Khan, MNA, NA-27, Lakki Marwat, Khyberpakhtunkhwa, PML; Mian Abdus Sattar, MNA, NA- 193 R.Y.Khan-II, Sindh; Mr. Mohammad Kamran Khan, NA-40, Tribal Area-V, FATA, ; Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, MNA, NA-64, Sargodha-I, Punjab, PPPP, Mr. Noor Alam Khan, MNA, NA-3, Peshawar-III, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Mr. Riaz Khan Fatyana, MNA, NA-94, Toba Tek Singh-II, Punjab; Syed Akhonzada Chitan, MNA, NA-44 Tribal Area-IX, FATA,. Upon conclusion of the dialogue, the Afghan Delegation also called on Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani who assured the afghan Parliamentary delegation that Pakistan wants to see an independent, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan. The premier also said that the assassination of Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani is a great loss to Pakistan and it is a set back to the peace and reconciliation process of Afghanistan. He underscored that Pakistan supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process of reconciliation and appreciated the PILDAT initiative of building ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan through facilitating Parliamentarians interactions. The Afghan Parliamentary Delegation also called on 11

11 Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Farooq H. Naek, and interacted with a Senate delegation including Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, Leader of the House in Senate, PPPP, Senator Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Leader of the Opposition, JUI-F, Senator Col (Retd.) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, MQM, Senator Kalsoom Perveen, BNP-A, Senator Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan, JUI-F, Senator Rehana Yahya Baloch, PML, Senator Mohammad Ghufran Khan, PPP-S, Senator Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, JIP, Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel, ANP, Senator Abdur Rahim Khan Mandokhel, PKMAP, Senator Saeeda Iqbal, PPPP and Senator Sailm Saifullah Khan, PML. The delegation was also hosted at a luncheon by the Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, MNA. The two-day Dialogue of Afghan and Pakistan MPs concluded with a Joint Resolution which the co-chairs from two sides shared with the media at a Press Briefing. The joint statement of the dialogue is attached as appendix A. 12

12 Pakistan-Afghanistan Parliamentarians Dialogue: December ; Islamabad Mr. Ahmad Bilal Mahboob Executive Director, PILDAT th This is the 6 dialogue among parliamentarians of both the countries. We have discussed a lot of issues related to both the countries. We are aware of the fact the final decision is to taken by the respective governments as they are mandated to do that. But being public representatives, the Members of the Parliament play an important role in the formation of the foreign policy of any country. Parliamentarians can be very helpful in initiating dialogue on very sensitive issues. The inter-parliamentary committee has chalked out some rules to measure the performance of the Parliament and the one amongst those rules is the role of the Parliament in the formation of foreign policy. During the last five dialogues, we have discussed several issues but now it has been jointly decided to discuss on trade and investment. The final decision has to be taken by the Parliamentarians. The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are paramount importance and have a history. I am hopeful the parliamentarians would overcome the problems currently afflicting the relations of both the countries. Senator Salim Saifullah Khan Chairman, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Afghanistan is of paramount importance for Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan is a must for prosperity and peace in Pakistan. PILDAT's efforts are laudable in this context. The parliamentarians should be exempted from visa condition. Pakistan has been seriously endeavouring for peace and stability in Afghanistan. There are vested interest ensuring instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But the peoples of both the countries are wise enough to shun their differences and get united against such elements for lasting peace in the region. Afghanistan and Pakistan have lagged behind during the last three decades due to internal disunity. I propose that trade options should be eased between both the countries and it should be incentivebased. The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan should facilitate the businessmen and investors for a trade-friendly environment. The trade volume can also be increased to multi-billion dollars, which would benefit the peoples of both the countries. Several projects involving hundreds of thousands of dollars are being executed in Mazar-e-Sharif while 50 schools and as many basic health units would also be established. Pakistan would also finance road infrastructure development projects in the war-torn areas of Afghanistan. The parliamentarians of both the countries should also interact for resolution trade, banking, terrorism and other issues. I hope the misunderstandings would be removed very soon and one should keep in mind that peace and stability in both the countries is panacea to all ills in the region. Pakistan's political parties want all the issues resolved peacefully with Afghanistan. All recommendations of this dialogue would be presented to the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan for implementation. We Parliamentarians have an important role to play as we have historical relations with Afghanistan and we need to revive our old relations. The interaction between parliamentarians of both the countries would help improve relations between both the countries. Mr. Abdul Latif Pedram Member of Wolesi Jirga, Afghanistan It is important that there should be improvement of communication especially after 2014 when the foreign powers leave while leaving a political space in 13

13 Afghanistan. We want that communication between the neighboring countries be increased so that stability can be brought to Afghanistan. Afghanistan has always been an importing country and there are a lot of opportunities for Pakistan in manpower and construction industries. We should also discuss the transit trade and the exchange rate between the two countries. Afghanistan is basically a consumer society rather than a producing country. And due to the problems faced by Afghanistan, the trade has not been increased, and it is the duty of the neighboring countries to lend a hand and improve the trade situation in the country. The visa ease should not be only to the level of diplomats but on identity card basis the travel should be allowed. We should definitely think about communication at university, cultural and scholarly level. Taliban are problematic and creating problems for both countries and it is affecting us anwe cannot overcome them until we truly understand. A committee was formed under chairmanship of Mr. Burhan uddin Rabbani. There is no concrete mechanism to establish security in Afghanistan. And it is important that we develop a strategy to address that. We should look that whether we have a way to solve these problems, and the solution to the problem is not war. Thus we have to form a strategy to address that since there is a strong Taliban presence. And we should work systematically to stop the war and resolve the problem in this region. Different think tanks can help us in this regard. We are here to resolve the differences not to create them. And together we should discuss the problems and their solutions. Senator Mr. Besmellah Afghanmal Member of Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan I would like to thank the Executive Director of PILDAT for hosting us for the sixth time for this extraordinary dialogue. I would like to thank the members of National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan for their hospitality. The main objective of this conference is clear that it is a message of peace, solidarity and stability of this region. And it is clear that peace and stability of Afghanistan is the peace and stability of Pakistan. If there is peace and security in Afghanistan, then both Pakistan and Afghanistan would benefit from the situation. Peace and political stability in Afghanistan is as essential in Afghanistan as in Pakistan. Both the countries should move in this direction and shun difference for the larger interest. Free moment across the border can benefit peoples in both the countries. There should cultural exchange programmes in both the countries to improve interaction and remove misgivings. Students exchange and short courses for graduates can help improve the situation. Intellectuals from across the borders should regularly visit Afghanistan and Pakistan and discuss the issues hampering development and peace in the region. The two-day conference in Islamabad is very good initiative and exchange of ideas and opinions can help reduce and resolve our lingering problems. The presidents of both the countries have visited Afghanistan and Pakistan and people to people contact is also improving a lot. There are a lot of trade opportunities for investors in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Afghan government and people are with you but on both sides there are people who are against Afghan Pakistan unity. Senator S. M. Zafar Member of the Senate of Pakistan The relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan should flourish for peace and stability in both the countries. Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal had prayed for peace in Afghanistan but for the last 30 years the peoples of Afghanistan are at the mercy of superpowers. Hundreds of thousands of peoples have lost their lives in the wake of aggression by super powers. Around 3 million Afghans have been residing in Pakistan for the last three decades. 14

14 And this is a unique example in the world. We realize that Afghanistan is facing acute problems over the last few decades. But the days are not far when there would be real freedom in Afghanistan. We need peace in the region and both the countries cannot progress without peace across the border. Pakistan refused to attend the Bonn Conference and I regretted the decision of the government of Pakistan as it was aimed at ensuring peace in Afghanistan. I am grateful to the members of Afghan parliament for showing concern to the gravity of the issue. The Afghans are in the minds and souls of the peoples of Pakistan. Pakistan's problems started when USSR left Afghanistan. We put in sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan. The Jehadis of that era were loved cross the borders and today's problems are due to those Jehadis. We salute your courage and strength. Pakistan and Afghanistan have enjoyed brotherly relations and both the countries can benefit from trade across the borders. There are a lot of things which we can exchange for the betterment and prosperity of both the countries. The young generation would be in majority in the both the countries and we should hope for betterment. Trade has a major role to play in this region. We have been facing a lot of problems. We need to improve the situation so that both the countries could progress. Mr. Naseer Bhutta Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan NA-127, Lahore-X, Punjab, PML-N There is passion to move forward in both the countries. Afghanistan is the biggest neighbour of Pakistan and we have been enjoying very good relations. It used to be very safe border as there were no intrusions but after 2000, the escalation of terrorism has made it one of the most volatile borders in the world. Afghanistan and Pakistan are serious in curbing the menace of terrorism. Trade is very much related to peace and friendship. If we look into the history, we would come to know that it was a very safe border and conducive for across the border trade. Both the governments should introduce rapid change in their approaches and introduce special strategies to improve relations and avoid allegations and counter allegations. The intelligence agencies would have to play an effective role in gleaning information and breaking the network of terrorists. Effective measures for curbing terrorism can be helpful to both the countries to improve bilateral relations. There is very high ratio of poverty in tribal areas of Pakistan. The Pakistan's government should introduce measures to alleviate poverty. And same is the case in Afghanistan. We cannot break blood relations between the peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan. We should strengthen these relations. We should protect the national heritage. The peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan should reap the fruits of development. There is shortage of food items in Afghanistan and Pakistan has abundant agricultural products. We should focus on exporting our agriculture produce and human resource to and from Afghanistan. Senator Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Member of the Senate of Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JI I agree with the document written that after the withdrawal of 2014, Afghanistan will actually be in the hands of Afghan. And if positive steps are taken the situation between the two countries will improve. We have brotherly relations and among brothers harsh words are often said but that don't affect the brotherhood. Our problems are more due to the internal problems. If these problems are addressed no foreign power can interfere in the country. And the problems of Afghanistan can only be resolved by the Afghan people themselves. Afghanistan is based mostly on jirgas that always solve the problems. We believe that Afghanistan will become peaceful and 15

15 prosperous. If we work together we can resolve our issues together. would like to relate an incident that during the time of Ghulam Ishaq Khan, it was decided in a meeting that we will import flour through this route. Our 1.5 lakh military personal are stationed on the border and are maintaining with millions of dollars. There are some people in Afghanistan and Pakistan who do not want the two countries to come close. We can import gas from Turkmenistan which will also benefit Afghanistan due to the use of its trade route. Our relations are very old and there is no question that we could not be able to resolve our problems. Senator Mr. Ahmad Mawen Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan It is important for Pakistan to defend itself and it is a nuclear power. Let's join hands together and start a new era. And it is important that we address each other's complaints and improve the relations. And we should sit together to resolve the issues of our nations. And we should pass a resolution together that will address the problems faced in relations of both countries. And we should sit together and review the progress on the past resolution and improve it further to make it complete. We should review the problems faced by Afghan traders. And the most important point is the situation at Afghanistan after withdrawal of foreign forces in 2014 and Afghanistan has a lot of expectations from our neighbours. And we expect that the member of Pakistani Parliament will keep communicating on different platforms to improve the relations between the two countries. Mr. Abdul Samee Samim My belief is that it is imperative for Pakistan and Afghanistan to maintain a friendly relation as we cannot separate our borders. Both the Parliaments should work to improve relations among the two countries. And after 2014, Pakistan can be negatively impacted but if the friendly relations are increased the impact can be positive. Members of the both Parliaments should work with Afghanistan government to facilitate the traders of Afghan traders for improved transit trade. And if we work together we can create a positive impact with coordination. After 2014 there can be an economic crisis on Afghanistan therefore transit trade is the most important factor at that critical juncture. We should sit together and think of a way out of the situation that could develop after Ms. Nazifa Zaki Since there is so much similarity between the people and culture of both countries, so does not Pakistan want that there should be peace and stability in Afghanistan. There are bomb blasts in Afghanistan on a daily basis, and why Pakistan with its supreme intelligence cannot help Afghanistan. We should take concrete steps to prevent these attacks. Since we share the religion and brotherhood, therefore, we should improve the neighboring relations. The Ashura blast killed 14 persons of the same family in Kabul. And I request the members of Pakistani Parliament to put pressure on the Pakistani government to take effective measures to help Afghanistan after Since our security forces and government is scratching from beginning, therefore, I request the Pakistani authorities to take steps to increase the security situation on border area. The powerful intelligence of Pakistan should take concrete steps to arrest and end the terrorism. 16

16 Ms. Fauzia Wahab Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance Revenue & Planning and Development 312 Sindh-V, Women Reserved Seat, PPPP The women participation from Afghanistan in this dialogue shows that Afghanistan is moving towards prosperity. I believe that if we do not involve women in the politics, prosperity cannot be achieved. There should be coordination between the intelligence agencies of the both countries. It is true that we cannot change our neighbours, so we should look forward that how can we improve our relations. There was a time when people from both countries were free to move across the border. There are a number of problems including the Durand line that should be addressed to improve the relations. No doubt Afghanistan is a consumer economy but you have an important trade route to central Asian countries and this could help Pakistan in curbing the fuel shortage that Pakistan is facing today. If Afghanistan is stable and peaceful this will naturally improve the trade as this trade route will be used. Thus a peaceful Afghanistan is as important as the peace in Pakistan is. This truly is not an impossible task to attain. I agree with the ease in visa restrictions. Passport should not be involved in it and the travel should be based solely on base of Identity cards. And the thousands of years of relations that we share, we should also work together to promote cultural activities. Your singers, sportsmen and players should come and competitions should be held. We should establish exchange programs with children and university students from both the countries. Genuine scholars should also be exchanged who might not be a part of a ministry so that we can benefit from each other's knowledge. Senator Mr. Mohammad Amin Ahmadi Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Islamic Unity Party, Afghanistan The process of dialogue that has been taking place between the two countries, and the conference held in 2011 addressed a lot of problems. But no concrete steps have been taken to address these problems. I suggest that an office be setup to check and ensure that the steps are being taken to address these problems. Parliamentary members of the two neighboring countries should not restrict themselves to only talks. They should exert some pressure on both the governments to improve the situation in both countries and put an end to the war so that after 2014 there should be no problems amongst the two countries. Taliban were both Arabs and Punjabis. Senator Ms. Malika Mayailzada Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan The people of Afghanistan will never forget the contribution of Pakistan when Soviet Russia invaded Afghanistan. Pakistan provided relief to Afghan people and we can never forget that. But the most important thing is that till there is no peace, the relations cannot be improved. Thus it is imperative that both the countries should work together to eliminate terrorism. We should bring in constructive solutions to the problem of terrorism. And history proves that when we were united we were able to repel the super power of Soviet Russia. Thus we can with cooperation solve the problem of terrorism. We should pressurize our governments to form solutions. Senator Mr. Bahram Samkani Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan We know that we share the culture and religion. In the Indo- Pak war, youth from Afghanistan participated from Pakistani side. They made lashkars and fought in Jammu and Kashmir till the problem was solved. A number of our people were martyred including some of my own relatives. 17

17 Zulfiqar ali Bhutto also came to Afghanistan and we assured him that we will side with you as we are your brothers. In the problem of Bangladesh we also sided with Pakistan. We will have to address our internal problems. Afghan traders face a number of problems in Karachi. All of us sitting together should work honestly to rid away each other of their problems. Mr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai doing will prove no good. We are the representative of our people. And the people face the real problems. And the problems that we have felt and discussions that we have done we should convey them to our government. If we just do discussions and don't act on it, this is useless. Visa is not given to a brother. Thus we should pressurize our governments to act. And if we cannot act on the resolution, it will be useless. We have been living together for the past 30 years and Pakistan has helped us in jihad. We have always looked towards Pakistan as brothers but somehow it has not been reciprocated. All the positive decisions taken between the two countries have not been implemented. Senator Muhammad Jehangir Bader Secretary General, PPPP I suggest to this house that an implementation committee should be formed. I think PILDAT should also be a part of the implementation committee. It is the duty of the proposed committee to update on the progress of the decision taken. For example, the communication should be organized by PILDAT with the chamber of commerce so that we can discuss the hurdles and how to solve them. Further the suggestions should be presented to the Parliament where policies are actually formed and implementation should be been done. The trade discussions should continue and suggestion must be implemented by either side. Mr. Mohammad Nawab Mangal Without taking concrete steps, the dialogue that we are 18

18 Appendices

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20 Appendix A Joint Declaration Pakistan- Afghanistan Parliamentarians Dialogue December 20-21, 2011: Islamabad, Pakistan Parliamentarians from both sides agreed to speed-up the process of getting their recommendations fully recognised by their respective governments and to ensure that all their recommendation emanating from interacting with each other will be discussed in the both houses of their respective Parliaments including Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan and Meshrano Jirga and Wolesi Jirga of Afghanistan. The set of recommendations of the three dialogues, given at the end of this statement, will be carried forward for presentation in the Afghan and Pakistan Parliaments as the sole responsibility of participating MPs in these dialogues, under the guidance of co-chairs of the respective Parliamentary dialogues. Pakistan and Afghanistan MPs agreed to continue the process of interaction on each recommendation and their reflection in the policies of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Parliamentarians agreed that trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to be promoted further for strengthening the bilateral relationship and well-built bridges of friendship of the two countries. Certain technical issues in implementation of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement such as insurance guarantees should be resolved by mutual agreement of the two side governments. Parliamentarians from two countries also believed that APTTA should be extended beyond Afghanistan to Central Asian States. Trade between the two countries should also be promoted by providing attractive opportunities to the investors from both sides. Malpractices in trade should also be addressed in a way that rights of investors of the two countries are fully protected. Parliamentarians from Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed that a mechanism for streamlining the economic relations between the two countries needs to be adopted through which Pakistan's participation in Afghanistan's reconstruction should be encouraged. They also agreed that infrastructure projects linking border areas of the two countries should be given special attention and rail and road connections between the two countries should be focussed upon for fostering economic development. Upgradation of Peshawar-Jalalabad Road was cited as a priority project in this context. They also agreed that the existing conducive regional environment should be utilised for economic engagement of the international community with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Following specific recommendations were agreed to by the Parliamentarians of Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Dialogue: Recommendation of the Dialogues 1. Institutionalize Parliamentary Dialogue 2. Improve Coordination on Counter-Terrorism Operations 3. Address apprehensions regarding Terrorists' safe havens 4. Greater Parliamentary Oversight on Defence 5. Parliamentarians to adopt their own political approach (people-oriented) in enhancing relations between the two countries 6. Narcotics and terrorist-financing: The need to install effective control on growth and supply of drugs fuelling terrorism in the region 7. Enhancing Border management 8. Intelligence-sharing and Cooperation 9. Liberalising Visa Regimes 10. Enhancing Communication Networks: Air travel, Road and Rail network (Kabul to Peshawer), & telephony 11. Facilitating Media exchanges (electronic & print) 12. Greater support and facilitation for Afghan Students 23

21 13. Central banks of both Pakistan and Afghanistan should follow the Basel Committee III on supervision of Banks especially on Money Laundering and Terrorist financing 14. Visa free regime between Parliamentarians of two countries 15. Pakistani and Afghan investors and business persons should get reciprocal incentives in each country to strengthen business and trade 16. Early return of Afghan refugees in Pakistan to Afghanistan with dignity and honour 17. The two countries should sign a treaty of extradition of criminals on both sides 18. Promote Cricket as a way of promoting better people to people contact 19. Draft a treaty on water-sharing. Treaty should be ratified by both Parliaments 20. While remaining part of tripartite cooperation in the area of security, Pakistan and Afghanistan should also develop bilateral cooperation between the Armed Forces and Security Agencies of Pakistan and Afghanistan 21. Have a Commission on Prisoners that could facilitate exchange of those prisoners who have not committed heinous crimes 22. Youth and Cultural Exchanges should be facilitated 23. Moving Resolutions in respective Parliaments based on these recommendations 24

22 Appendix B December 20-21, 2011 Hotel Serena, Islamabad, Pakistan List of Afghanistan Delegation No. Name Designation Province Party Dialogue Co-Chairs 1. Honourable Senator Mr. Besmellah Afghanmal Member of Meshrano Jirga Kandahar 2. Honouable Mr. Abdul Latif Pedram Member of Wolesi Jirga Badakhshan National Congress Party, Afghanistan Members of the Meshrano Jirga 3. Honourable Senator Mr. Abdul Shakoor Shakoor Member of Meshrano Jirga Kapisa Honourable Senator Mr. Ahmad Bashir Samim Member of Meshrano Jirga Badakhshan Honourable Senator Mr. Ahmad Mawen Member of Meshrano Jirga Ghor Honourable Senator Mr. Bahram Samkani Member of Meshrano Jirga Paktia 7. Honourable Senator Mr. Baz Mohammad Zormati Member of Meshrano Jirga Paktia Islamic Unity Party 8. Honourable Senator Ms. Malika Mayailzada Member of Meshrano Jirga Parwan Honourable Senator Mr. Mohammad Amin Ahmadi Member of Meshrano Jirga Ghazni Honourable Senator Mr. Mohammad Asif Azime Member of Meshrano Jirga Samangan Islamic Unity Party Jamiat-e Islami Party 25

23 11. Honourable Senator Mr. Namatullah Popal Member of Meshrano Jirga Helmand 12. Honourable Senator Ms. Sara Surkhabi Member of Meshrano Jirga Faryab Delegates from Wolesi Jirga Honourable Mr. Abdul Samee Samim Honourable Mr. Abdul Saboor Khedmat Member of Wolesi Jirga Farah Member of Wolesi Jirga Farah 15. Honourable Mr. Amir Mohammad Member of Wolesi Jirga Nangarhar 16. Honourable Mr. Mohammad Nawab Mangal Member of Wolesi Jirga Paktia 17. Honourable Mr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai Member of Wolesi Jirga Logar 18. Honourable Ms. Najia Aimaq Member of Wolesi Jirga Baghlan 19. Honourable Ms. Nazifa Zaki Member of Wolesi Jirga Badakshan 20. Honourable Sayed Ishaq Gailani Member of Wolesi Jirga Kabul National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan 21. Honourable Mr. Sharifullah Kamawal Member of Wolesi Jirga Nangarhar 22. Honourable Haji Sher Ali Ahmadzai Member of Wolesi Jirga Nangarhar 23. Honourable Ms. Wagma Sapy Member of Wolesi Jirga Kunar Afghan Parliamentary Staff 24. Mr. Toorialay Toorman Member of Protocol Department, Meshrano Jirga Maidan Wardak 25. Mr. Samiullah Hussaini Director of Relations with IPU, Wolesi Jirga Nangarhar 26

24 Appendix C December 20-21, 2011 Hotel Serena, Islamabad, Pakistan DDialogue Co-Chair 1. Senator Salim Saifullah Khan Chairman, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PML Members of the Senate 2. Senator Muhammad Jehangir Bader Secretary General, PPPP 3. Senator Maulana Mohammad Saleh Shah Quraishi Chairman, Standing Committee on Religious Affairs 4. Senator Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan Member of the Senate of Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JI 5. Senator Saeeda Iqbal Member of the Senate of Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PPPP 6. Senator S. M. Zafar Member of the Senate of Pakistan,Punjab, PML Members of the National Assembly 1. Ms. Fauzia Wahab Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance Revenue & Planning and Development 2. Mr. Humayun Saifullah Khan Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, PML 3. Mian Abdus Sattar Member of National Assembly, PPPP 4. Mr. Mohammad Kamran Khan Member of National Assembly 5. Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal Chairman, National Assembly Standing Committee Rules of Procedure & Privileges 6. Mr. Naseer Bhutta Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, PML-N 7. Mr. Noor Alam Khan Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, PPPP 8. Mr. Riaz Fatiana Chairman, National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights, PML 9. Syed Akhonzada Chitan Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan 27

25 Appendix D Dialogue Co-Chairs Profiles of Pakistan Delegation deeply critical of the political and social situation in contemporary Afghanistan Mr. Padram is a member of the Central Audit and Supervision of Law Enforcement Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. Members of the Meshrano Jirga Honourable Senator Mr. Besmellah Afghanmal Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Bismillah Afghanmal was born on August 07, 1971 in Kandahar province.he attained a postbaccalaureate degree in history. He has served as acting director of Rishta magazine, acting head of Culture and Information Department, and as a Member of the Kandahar Provincial Council. He was elected to Kandahar's Provincial Council in 2005 and re-elected in He is also one of five provincial council members that also have a seat on the 29-member Kandahar Tribal Council, a council formed under the direction of Ahmed Wali Karzai. Currently, he is an elected member of the Afghan Parliament representing Kandahar Province in Meshrano Jirga and has membership with Legislative Affairs and Justice Commissions of the Parliament. Mr. Afghanmal is married and has five children Honourable Senator Mr. Abdul Shakoor Shakoor Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Abdul Shakoor Shakoor was born on March 22, 1928 in Kapisa province. He has a degree in BS Education and had the hounour to serve as the deputy head of education as well as inspector of education in Parwan province. Mr. Shakoor has authored a book on Afghanistan's First Class Education in Dari Language. He is an independent member of the Meshrano Jirga and has membership with the Commission of Disability Affairs, survivors of martyrs and refugees. He is married. Honourable Mr. Abdul Latif Pedram Chairman, National Congress Party, Afghanistan Mr. Abdul Latif Pedram was born on July 29, 1963 in Badakhshan Province. He is a member of the Tajik ethnic group and is a native of Badakhshan Province. After completing secondary school in Badakhshan he left to pursue additional studies in Kabul. He studied literature at Kabul University during the Soviet occupation. Mr. Padram is founder of the National Congress Party of Afghanistan and servers as Chairman of the Party. He is an accomplished poet and public intellectual and has been Honourable Senator Mr. Ahmad Bashir Samim Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Ahmad Bashir Samim was born on February 02, 1974 in Badakhshan province. He studied medicine and has served in the election office where he was head of the Darayem District Development Commission. Mr. Samim is Deputy Chairman of the Environment, Natural Resources and Public Welfare Commission the Afghan Parliament. He is an independent member of the Meshrano Jirga. He is married and has three sons and one daughter. 30

26 Honourable Senator Mr. Ahmad Mawen Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Mawen Ahmad was born on October 01, 1952 in Ghor Province. He used to be a Commander Warlord in Ghor Province. He was first appointed to the Meshrano Jirga in 2005, and has been re-appointed in Mr. Mawen obtained a post-baccalaureate degree in teachers training and also held positions within the Ministry of Education. He is a member of the Districts Provincial Assemblies Privilege & Immunity Commission of the Meshrano Jirga. He is married. Jirga in Afghan Parliament, he is associated with the Environment, Natural Resources and Public Welfare Commissions of the Meshrano Jirga. During the twelfth and thirteenth Assembly of the Afghan Parliament, he has performed duties in different parts of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan and was the Deputy Minister of Finance. He is married. Honourable Senator Ms. Malika Mayailzada Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Ms. Malika Mayailzada was born on June 11, 1960 in Parwan province. After completing her graduation, she has professionally associated with different educational institutions and served as lecturer. She is a member of the Women's Affairs and Civil Society Commission in the Meshrano Jirga. She is married. Honourable Senator Mr. Bahram Samkani Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Bahram Samkani was born on May 05, 1928 in Paktia province. After completing graduation from Police Academy, he served for 35 years in different provinces as a security official. Mr. Samkani is a member and secretary of the Frontier and Tribal Affairs Commission of the Afghan Parliament. He is married and has ten sons and eight daughters. Honourable Senator Mr. Mohammad Amin Ahmadi Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Islamic Unity Party, Afghanistan Senator Mohammad Amin Ahmadi was born on December 23, 1959 in Ghazni province. After studying religion, Mr. Ahmadi joined Mujahideen and used to be a religious subjects teacher. A member of the Wahdat Islami party, Mr. Ahmadi is also a member of the Cultural, Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Commission in Meshrano Jirga. He is married and has four sons and six daughters. Honourable Senator Mr. Baz Mohammad Zormati Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Islamic Unity Party, Afghanistan Senator Baz Mohammad Zormati was born on October 06, 1928 in Paktia Province. As a member of the Meshrano 31

27 Honourable Senator Mr. Mohammad Asif Azime Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Jamiat-e Islami Party, Afghanistan Senator Mohammad Asif Azimi was born on April 30, 1967 in Samangan. He used to be a Commander during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He is a writer and his articles have been published in several newspapers and magazine. Representing the Islamic Society of Afghanistan in Meshrano Jirga, Mr. Azime is Chairman of the Complains Commission. He is married. Afghan-Kot School. Ms. Surkhabi migrated to Saudi Arabia and later Pakistan during the Taliban regime. Upon her return to Afghanistan in 2001, she was subsequently appointed as the Director of the Women Affair's Department in Faryab. She is the recipient of several medals and appreciation letters in recognition of her service. The President appointed Surkhabi to the Meshrano Jirga and she is affiliated with the Afghanistan National Forum. Ms. Surkhabi is a member and the Secretary of the Disabled, Martyr, Gender and Civil Society Commission. She is married and has three children. Members of the Wolesi Jirga Honourable Mr. Abdul Samee Samim Honourable Senator Haji Namatullah Popal Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Afghanistan Senator Haji Namatullah was born on July 24, 1953 in Helmand. He is a member of the Meshrano Jirga. He has been elected as a member of the Parliament from Lashkar Gah. Mr. Popal is a member of the International Affairs Commission of the Meshrano Jirga. He is married. Mr. Abdul Samee Samim was born on May 24, 1978 in Farah province. By profession a businessman, Mr. Samim is the representative of the National Council for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's Farah province in the Wolesi Jirga. He is an independent Parliamentarian and associated with the National Economy Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. Honourable Senator Ms. Sara Surkhabi Member of the Meshrano Jirga Senator Sara Surkhabi was born in July 05, 1945 in Faryab province. After completing her graduation, she worked as a teacher in Andkhoy Girls' School and later at Sitara High School in Maimana. She served as a headmistress from 1966 to 1969 and as Director of Sitara High School in Faryab. She had also worked as a teacher for 10 years in Honourable Mr. Abdul Saboor Khedmat Mr. Abdul Saboor Khedmat was born on March 21, 1969 in Farah province. After graduation, he joined the Afghan Development Forum and headed the Dftar Sahvy Institute. Currently, he is the representative of the National Council for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's Farah province in the Lower House. 32

28 Honourable Mr. Amir Mohammad Mr. Amir Mohammad was born on October 1, 1974 in Nangarhar province. He has served as Chairman and Director of a NGO in Afghanistan. Currently, he is representing the people of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan's lower house of the Parliament. He is Chairman of the Finance and Budget Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. He is not affiliated to any political party of the Afghanistan. Honourable Mr. Mohammad Nawab Mangal Mr. Nawab Mohammad Mangal was born on January 01, 1964 in Paktia. He is a graduate and has served in Afghan Army. Currently, he is a representative of the National Council for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's Paktia province in the Lower House and politically independent. Mr. Mangal is a member of the Homeland Security Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. Honourable Mr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai Honourable Ms. Najia Aimaq Ms. Najia Aimaq was born on September 06, 1967 in Baghlan Province. She obtained bachelor in Engineering degree from Education University Baghlan. She has served as the President of Education University of Baghlan. Currently, she is the representative of the National Council for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's Baghlan province in the Lower House. She is an independent political activist. She is a member of Cultural and Religious Affairs as well as Education and Higher Education Commissions of the Wolesi Jirga. Honourable Ms. Nazifa Zaki Ms. Nazifa Zaki was born on October 26, 1963 in Badakshan province. She studied up to grade twelve (12) and had six-month training at the Police Academy. She worked in the Interior Ministry for 13 years and with the Attorney General of Afghanistan's office for 29 years as a Military Attorney. She is an independent member of the Parliament and is a member of the Homeland Security Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. Mr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai was born on March 23, 1974 in Logar province. He holds a Bachelor degree in Law and Political Science. He has served as the Deputy Head of Ahmadzai Tribe Council. He belongs to Muhammad Agha district of Lowgar province. Currently, he is representing the people of Logar Province in Afghanistan's lower house. He is also a member of the Kochi Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. Mr. Ahmadzai is married and has 3 daughters and 2 sons. 33

29 Honourable Sayed Ishaq Gailani National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan Sayed Ishaq Gailani was born on May 25, 1954 in Shahr e Nau, Kabul. He completed his primary and secondary education in Masod-e-Sad School and completed high school education at Nadiria High School. Mr. Gailani excelled in school and received a scholarship to study Political Science in Tehran University of Iran. Upon his graduation from Tehran University, he completed his LLB. Mr. Gailani and his team established a party, named the "National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan" (NSMA) in The party registered with the Ministry of Justice after the creation of the new constitution in Mr. Gailani has participated in various seminars, conferences and gatherings in Afghanistan and around the world. He has visited United States, Holland, France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Russia, India and Pakistan. Honourable Mr. Sharifullah Kamawal, Honourable Haji Sher Ali Ahmadzai Haji Sher Ali Ahmadzai was born on April 25, 1979 in Nengarhar Province. He is an ethnic Pashtun from Kochi tribe. After completing graduation, Mr. Ahmadzai has started his own business. He is an independent Member of the Wolesi Jirga. He is a member of the Kochi Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. Honourable Ms. Wagma Spay Honourable Ms. Wagma Spay was born on August 3, 1963 in Kunar Province. She is a graduate from Police Academy and served as director of the Human Rights Commission of eastern provinces of Afghanistan. She is an independent member of the Wolesi Jirga and is a member of the Security Affairs Commission. Mr. Sharifullah Kamawal was born on March 21, 1983 in Nangarhar Province. He has a bachelor degree in Psychology. He has served his services in different government institutions of the Afghanistan. He is an independent member of the Wolesi Jirga and has membership with Immunity and Privileges Commission of the Wolesi Jirga. He is married and has three children. 34

30 Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency - PILDAT Head Office: No. 7, 9th Avenue, F-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan Lahore Office: 45-A, Sector XX, 2nd Floor, Phase III Commercial Area, DHA, Lahore Tel: (+92-51) ; Fax: (+92-51) info@pildat.org; Web: