Afghanistan and Iran enjoy cordial historic, cultural, ethnic, lingual and neighborly ties. Both the countries share common strategic, historical, cultural and economic grounds have vital interests. In fact, Afghanistan and Iran should develop cooperation with Afghanistan bilaterally as well as at the regional level within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on the lines of the EU to reap the full benefits of regional cooperation. Afghanistan, therefore, is expected to have normal friendly relations with Iran and engage it in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
In order to renew Afghanistan’s ties with notable neighbor, the outgoing president paid several visits to Islamic Republic of Iran, and the former president of Iran Ahmadi Nijad called on Karzai in Kabul. The two premiers repeatedly underlined the significance of cordial relationship whilst signing comprehensive pact of friendship and cooperation between Tehran and Kabul in order to bolster mutual ties and trade. Formerly president paid a visit to Tehran meeting President Hasan Ruhani. The two premiers discussed many issues of common interests. On the need to protect environment and border cooperation, especially shared water resources, Karzai said Afghanistan adhered to all accords and agreements with Iran.
Trade between the two nations has increased dramatically since the overthrow of the Taliban government in late 2001. Iran and Afghanistan planed on building a new rail line connecting Mashhad to Herat. In 2009, Iran was one of the largest investor in Afghanistan, which is mainly in the construction of roads and bridges as well as agriculture and health care that subsided gradually. According to the chairman of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Iran's exports to Afghanistan in 2008 stood at $800 million. Iran keeps a good market for variant products like fresh and dried fruits, minerals, precious stones, and spices. Significantly, the Iranian oil products, cement, construction material, carpets, home appliances, and detergents can be imported at a cheaper price provided the Iran and US deal lead to progression. Iran can too import nuts, carpets, agricultural products as well as handicrafts from Afghanistan. Iran played a decisive role and proved a hospitable neighbor keeping large number of afghan emigrants on its land at the when Afghanis rendered hapless. Millions of Afghans fled to Iran and Pakistan in the 1980s to flee a bloody anti-Communist insurgency. At the peak of the war, roughly 5 million refugees lived in Pakistan and nearly 4 million in Iran. Currently, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) estimates, about two million Afghans still live in Iran as unregistered refugees. Iran has been forcefully deporting Afghan refugees by the thousands on a daily basis o western Herat province, an official said on Monday. Till date, great number Afghans choose to work in Iran, finding closed cultural linkages between two people. Nevertheless, the uncivilized treatment of Afghans, denial of their right to education and basic health, are primary problems needing immediate attention. The renewal of relationship help Afghanistan improves its trade with Iran and earns and lots of revenue.
However, the issue of execution of several Afghanis rose to prominence, when new aired on media outlets. The infliction of punishment without considering the humanly reasons behind some minor violations of law is deliberate refutation of sanctity of supreme creature. It should never be deemed equivalent to abandonment of punishment by all means but just capital punishment.
It is to be accepted that man by instinct is innocent. A man with ill-deed must have encountered inconsequential circumstances that might have coerced him do that. There are numerous societal factors pressing man opt illicit means to formulate the ends meet. The government instead of interrogating the reasons that coerced him turn wild advertently inflicts capital punishment sound not a justifiable act.
It is widely accepted discourse that crime can’t be put an end to, unless the root causes serving the criminal activity is stopped. Identically is can be imbibed; as the mass murder of terrorists never ceases terrorism given the motivational factors behind the movements are sued and eradicated. Identically, the dispensation of capital punishment may not necessarily end crime and criminals, particularly if they are found to be foreigners. However, finding a proper remedy to it will.
The persistent state of insecurity, unemployment is forcing large number of Afghans to move foreign countries in the search for better livelihood. Iran is one of such of country hosting large number of Afghans. Iran of course renders great humanitarian service by allowing Afghans seek refuge in its land. Nevertheless the mass violation of human rights must be deemed inhuman if not immoral. Reportedly Afghans are suffering ill-treatment in the said country. Many are on death row on flawed accusation of criminal activities. According to credible media sources, formerly Iran executed half a dozen of Afghans on death row who belonged to northeastern Takhar province and had gone to the neighboring country in search of work. There might be several others on the death row waiting their fate. Priory numerous such cases are surfaced with or without concern of government. The issues have been raised on diplomatic level. Conversely the afghan government with exception of receiving corps has done nothing satisfactory.
This is one of such case that surfaced on the media; there are several cases that go unreported. Admittedly the afghan government did have rise the issue with Irani counterpart on diplomatic or political level. On this very ground the political leadership is accusable for doing nothing satisfactory to rescue Afghan citizens on the death row in Iran. Like many other political and economic issues that seek mutual resolution the Afghanistan and Iran should sign prisoners exchange treaty, granting reimbursement to criminals involved in minor crimes.