ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a webinar on Wednesday said humanitarian assistance, unfreezing of financial assets pivotal to buildinga sustainable economy in Afghanistan and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan.

The webinar titled “Interim Afghan Government in Power - Two Years On”, hosted by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI).

They noted that while territorial control had been established and security environment had improved, terrorist attacks by Daesh/Islamic State-Khorasan(IS-K) continued.

The speakers at the webinar included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood who is Director General ISSI, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb who is charge d’affairs/Minister Counselor, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Nargis Nehan who is former Afghan Minister of Mining and Petroleum, former Pakistani Diplomat ambassador Ayaz Wazir, Dr Malick Ceesay who is Head of Office, UNAMA Liaison Office, Islamabad, Ambassador Omar Samad who is Non-resident Senior Fellow Atlantic Council and Adam Weinstein who is Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

A statement issued here quoted Ambassador Sohail Mahmood saying that several unanticipated developments including short timeline of eventual US/NATO troop withdrawal, meek response of Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to Taliban advances, and sudden departure of the then Afghanistan president that shaped the turn of events culminating in the transition on Aug 15, 2021.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood added that besides humanitarian assistance, unfreezing of financial assets was pivotal for building a sustainable economy in Afghanistan. Shedding light on other challenges, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, pointed out that inclusive governance and girls’ education and women’s rights faced restrictions, while terrorist entities targeting Pakistan remained a concern requiring concrete steps by the Interim Afghan authorities.

He stressed that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan, while regional economic integration and connectivity — including through CPEC - would benefit all.

Amina Khan with ISSI, stated that initially, there was a lack of clarity regarding the Taliban’s return to power, but the past two years had provided significant insights into their approach, which could be described as a blend of authoritarian policies and pragmatism.

Despite lacking formal recognition, the group had consolidated their position as the de facto and not de jure political authority.

However, major concerns continued to persist regarding political and social cohesion, denial of basic yet fundamental human rights, and discrimination against women, further exacerbated by humanitarian crisis and presence of terrorist groups.

Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb highlighted the Interim government’s achievements in Afghanistan’s security and economy. He noted a substantial 90 percent reduction in poppy production and highlighted the efforts regarding drug addicts’ rehabilitation.

While shedding light on other achievements, he said that the economic achievements included combating food insecurity and poverty, reducing inflation from 18 percent to 9 percent, and strengthening the Afghan currency against the US dollar.

Security measures also included a dedicated ports committee and women’s involvement in commerce.

Nargis Nehan stressed the importance of an inclusive government, women’s rights, and safeguarding minority rights for effective national functioning. She highlighted fundamental pre-transition institutions and urged stability through a Taliban-consensus framework, emphasising women’s education.

Ambassador Ayaz Wazir acknowledged the present peace in Afghanistan but expressed concern over human rights violations and women’s education.

He proposed that a framework be established to effectively address the matter of co-education based on religious principles. He also urged trust-building between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and suggested Chinese facilitation in bridging the trust gap.

Dr Malick Ceesay highlighted Afghanistan’s evolving landscape with the Taliban’s security efforts, curbing regional warlord influence and fostering local security. Despite UN and US sanctions, he also acknowledged China’s growing influence through diplomatic and economic collaborations.

He emphasized challenges in recognition due to Taliban-imposed restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment and said that a proactive response to IS-K presence was required.

Ambassador Omar Samad expressed that this juncture was crucial in Afghanistan’s history, highlighting the impact on Afghan lives.

He said that shared narratives involving all segments of society were essential, encompassing security, stability, counterterrorism, women’s education, and economic growth.

Adam Weinstein, while expressing his views, stressed towards more sustainable solutions. He said Taliban had managed the economy and infrastructure development.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2023