The decision of Moscow and Delhi to work in unison on the Afghanistan issue finds its echo in Islamabad too. Pakistan has realised it can no longer afford to bask in the glory of the past—when it played a crucial role in "shattering the invincibility of the Soviet Union"—and thus both nations have gradually come to understand the significance of the Afghan factor in their emerging relationship. Last week, Putin's special envoy, Sergei Yasdrazsembsky, flew to Pakistan, sparking expectations in the foreign ministry here that even as it 'moderates' the Taliban policies, Moscow could now nudge Delhi into accepting a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
Perhaps, the Northern Alliance's recent loss of territory to the Taliban has brought about the change in Moscow's mood. It now understands that Pakistan can play a pivotal role in controlling terrorism. Says political commentator Rasul Baksh Rais: "Moscow is concerned about the Taliban's jehadi character. It fears that once the Taliban consolidates power, it would support Islamic uprisings in Central Asia." No wonder Sergei's visit saw both Moscow and Islamabad agree to conclude an extradition treaty and cooperate in the fight against terrorism, trafficking of arms and narcotics and illegal immigration.
But what had the foreign office elated was Sergei's observation: "Terrorism has no religion. Traditional Islam and enlightened Islam have no tolerance for violence, we've a better understanding of Pakistan's position on Chechnya. Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism, we have a common understanding on the causes of terrorism." The perception here is that Sergei has distanced Moscow from "New Delhi's all-out campaign for pronouncing Pakistan the villain of the piece in the phenomenon of Islamic terrorism".
Representatives of the energy firm Gazprom are due to soon pursue gas infrastructure projects in Pakistan, including the possibility of importing natural gas from Iran to Pakistan and then onward to India. Add to this the fact that the Russian envoy made no secret of Moscow's intention to sell MI-17 helicopters to Pakistan. Said The News, an English daily, "During Yasdrazsembsky's meeting with the chief executive and the foreign minister, Pakistan's keenness to revive and enhance economic ties was strongly conveyed." Adds Prof Khalid Mehmud, a senior scholar at the Institute of Regional Studies: "We have no quarrel with Russia, neither ideological nor territorial. There is no reason why we cannot outgrow the lingering hangover of the Cold War era to establish a productive and durable relationship with Moscow." This change will perhaps lead to the drawing of definite contours whenever President Putin accepts Islamabad's invitation to visit Pakistan, an invitation that was extended during the special envoy's stay here last week.