Ibrahim Nasar Recommendation. Torornto CBC Centre December 16, 2006

Yar Taraky pointed out serious reasons for Pashtun intellectuals to conduct studies and research in order to integrate Pashtun Nation into the world affairs.
Jamal summed up some of the major issues that need to be looked at and discussed among the regional and international forces that are involved in Afghanistan and are interested in finding solutions to the menace of religious extremism - plaguing the world in general and the south-central Asia in particular.                                         .

I will not go back to what our panelists went through, but rather look forward and come up with a few suggestions that we consider are important for consideration for policymakers on Afghan situation.

1. Although we believe that the presence of foreign troops will not bring long term stability to Afghanistan, the notion that we must pull our troops out should not be an option when we speak of the solution of the Afghan and regional problem and the religious extremism at large. Afghanistan can not survive as a state without the presence of international forces under the mandate of the United Nations at least for the next five to six years. However too much dependence on combat missions makes more enemies than beating the extremists.Never in history do we remember the presence of so many nations with all sorts of economic, military and financial support with a mission to bring peace and stability to another country, as we see today in Afghanistan. Afghan army officers who were sent to forced retirement should be called back and engaged in the training and leadership roles. And yes Afghanistan is different than all other countries in the world. The international community should empower the Afghan Nation and help them to be in charge emotionally, physically and resource wise.

2. There is need for better understanding of the Pashtun people. This canbe done with more interaction with the Pashtun people and more exposure of the Pashtun people to global cultures. This should be done directly rather than biased intermediaries.

The Pashtun situation should be studied as whole on both sides of the Durand line, the Durand line divides the Pashtun nation but it does not divide their problems or aspirations.
The Canadian government must concentrate on the economic uplift of Pashtun areas by directly working with Pashtun stakeholder.

3. There should be a global effort spearheaded by Canada to eradicate opium production in Afghanistan and its trafficking infrastructure in Pakistan. Efforts should be made to stop narcotics trade which plays an important role in creating warlords and the culture of warlordism. The international community should attack the trading centres, money transfer and banking system of the opium traders rather than attacking farmers who collect less than 2% of the culture.

4. Pashtun has a rich culture of peace, tolerance, music, art, equality and equity that is under foreign funded onslaught of extremism. Pashtuns needs the support of the international community especially Canada to project progressive side of their culture, language and traditions.

Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand line are underrepresented in the media and mass information system. The only information flow to Pashtuns ear comes form extremists speakers and radios. Pashtuns even do not have schooling system in their mother tongue.
International contribution in establishing and educational curriculum system in Pashto language is curtail for long term tackling of the terrorism and extremism problems. The current insurgency and extremism among some Pashtum youth is the result of over 20years of madressa education supported by Pakistan and Arab states.

To support Jirga (assembly of elders) system including all prominent Pashtun tribes from Pakistan and Afghanistan to end violence. Canada should help empowering of Pashtun elders, tribal chiefs, intellectual, spiritual, and business community on both side of the Durand Line to hold Jirgas on regular bases, which can eradicate terrorism and bring peace. The Jirga tradition goes back centuries. Pashtuns have held Jirgas even the British Empire controlled the territories south of Durand line. This is a traditional political setting that solves many problems. The international community should urge Pakistan not to oppose or interferee in the all Pashtuns Jirga concept

PRAP Canada will focus on identifying the root of the problems and bringing ideas and concepts to tackle these challenges. This is the time that Pashtun scholars, intellectuals and professionals can do their due diligence and contribute to the empowerment of Pashtuns. Pashtuns need our help. Pashtuns need the help of the international community. This help is for beyond the military solutions for Pashtuns or Afghans.
A strong Pashtun nation will only contribute to the prosperity of the region and will create a logical economic, cultural and  political balance among the powerful neighbouring nations. This will enable the integration of this nation into the global community and will curb attempts to plant further extremism and fundamentalism.