Initiated in 2010, the peace and reconciliation process is still not on the right track. Despite much fuss, the Taliban leadership has shown no true willingness for negotiating peace with the government of Afghanistan. Looking at the 4-year performance of High Peace Council (HPC) gives one the idea that its losses are heavier than its gains.

In 2011, the then HPC head, Burhanuddin Rabbani was assassinated inside his home. Influential members of HPC have been targeted from time to time. Meanwhile, much fund has been spent in trying to encourage low-ranking Taliban fighters to the reconciliation program. Although the government claims thousands of insurgents have laid down their arms and now live a normal life, critics say many of them were either fake Taliban or have rejoined Taliban after receiving benefits set for them under the reintegration program.

At the higher level, there is no sufficient proof that any member of the HPC has been able to directly held talks with Taliban leadership. In September, the Pakistani government released Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, former Taliban No. 2, after time and again requests from Afghan authorities. The Afghan government hoped his release could largely help in moving the peace process at least one step forward. But its hope has remained a hope only.

In the latest trilateral summit in London in which David Cameron, Hamid Karzai and Nawaz Sharif met, it was decided that a delegation from HPC must travel to Pakistan in order to meet Baradar. Although the delegation paid a visit to Islamabad there is no proof, it has properly met him. Additionally, in a recent statement the Taliban have refuted reports by sections of the media that they have authorized Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to hold peace talks with the Afghan government.

This paper had earlier emphasized on the point that there is no doubt that Mullah Baradar has been Taliban’s second in command but he might have no or very little influence among Taliban leadership at current as he has been in captivity for a number of years now and there are reports that his health condition is worrisome.

It appears as if the little hope that the Afghan government had was Mullah Baradar’s release but that has also faded away. It has to be seen what strategy the HPC comes up with now?