Unconfirmed sources have revealed that the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan have been secretly discussing a union between the two countries.
The new country to be called the Islamic Emirate of Pakistan will be governed by laws based on Sharia.
Pakistani currency will be the currency of the new Union; Islamabad will be the Federal capital; Afghan Army will be merged with the Pakistani Army under joint command.
Afghanistan will be re-organised into six provinces with their own provincial capitals. North West Province will be renamed Paktunwah and remain a separate province.
The United country will be better able to tackle American pressure to dismantle the Jihadi groups, now based in the two countries. A senior Pakistani Official, requesting anonymity, concedes that the recent developments and tension with the West was largely responsible for the merger talks between the two countries.
The Pakistani Government of General Musharraf has convinced his Afghan counterparts that his caretaker Govt. speaks on and can act on behalf of the people of Pakistan.
Stumbling blocks are: The 10% of Afghanistan not currently under the Taliban control. The large Shia Hazara, Tajiks and Uzbek populations that will surely resist such a union. Also, such a union will certainly be condemned by India and the Soviet Union.
The two sides will continue the discussion upon arrival in Pakistan of senior officials from Afghanistan. Some form of announcements are expected shortly.
The new country to be called the Islamic Emirate of Pakistan will be governed by laws based on Sharia.
Pakistani currency will be the currency of the new Union; Islamabad will be the Federal capital; Afghan Army will be merged with the Pakistani Army under joint command.
Afghanistan will be re-organised into six provinces with their own provincial capitals. North West Province will be renamed Paktunwah and remain a separate province.
The United country will be better able to tackle American pressure to dismantle the Jihadi groups, now based in the two countries. A senior Pakistani Official, requesting anonymity, concedes that the recent developments and tension with the West was largely responsible for the merger talks between the two countries.
The Pakistani Government of General Musharraf has convinced his Afghan counterparts that his caretaker Govt. speaks on and can act on behalf of the people of Pakistan.
Stumbling blocks are: The 10% of Afghanistan not currently under the Taliban control. The large Shia Hazara, Tajiks and Uzbek populations that will surely resist such a union. Also, such a union will certainly be condemned by India and the Soviet Union.
The two sides will continue the discussion upon arrival in Pakistan of senior officials from Afghanistan. Some form of announcements are expected shortly.
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