The Taliban ruling Afghanistan has strongly objected to the meeting of Afghan leaders hosted by Pakistan, terming it a hostile act and an unnecessary interference in Afghan affairs.
A gathering of around 36 Afghan opposition figures, including politicians, civil society members, and former jihadis, that began on September 29 is taking place in Islamabad.
The two-day meeting, organized by the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI), was previously postponed. Some attendees told that the conference aims to discuss Afghanistan’s future and regional dynamics.
The meeting has drawn attention to Pakistan’s complex relations with the Taliban government, which has resisted Islamabad’s demands on security and border control.
Some notable attendees include.
Fawzia Koofi, former member of parliament.
Mustafa Mastoor, ex-minister of economy,
Nasir Ahmad Andisha, former Afghan envoy in Geneva.
Ahmadullah Alizai, ex-governor of Kabul,
Tahir Zahir, former governor of Bamiyan.
The event is jointly hosted by Women for Afghanistan and the Institute for Strategic Stability in South Asia.
The discussion at the meeting will reportedly focus on assessing future changes in Afghanistan, the role of opponents of the Taliban in developments, and other topics.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Afghan exiles to create common platforms for consultation and possible coordination, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a venue for cross-border political engagement amid regional uncertainty. The objective of the meeting is to assess future changes in Afghanistan, discuss the role of opponents of the Taliban in developments, and other topics.
The meeting reflects Pakistan’s efforts to recalibrate its image as a facilitator of inclusive Afghan dialogue, amid strained relations with the Taliban government.
Fawzia Koofi, a former member of Afghanistan’s parliamentary system, expressed her delight on her social media platform about participating in a two-day regional discussion in Islamabad. Koofi highlighted the significance of this gathering, emphasizing the importance of collective dialogue in shaping Afghanistan’s future.
As a prominent Afghan politician and women’s rights activist, Koofi has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and education. She served as the Vice President of Afghanistan’s National Assembly and played a key role in peace negotiations with the Taliban.
Despite facing numerous challenges and assassination attempts, Koofi remains committed to promoting women’s rights and participation in politics.
She continues to advocate for women’s rights, education, and protection from violence, emphasizing the need for international support and solidarity.
Fawzia Koofi stated that the situation in Afghanistan, especially for women, is unbearable. She emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s role and added that a comprehensive government based on the people’s will and constitution can bring lasting peace, security, and stability to the region.
So far, the names of Afghan politicians participating in the conference have not been disclosed. However, it was previously reported that some women activists, leaders of the National Resistance Front, and several former jihadi leaders have been invited.
Koori’s remarks highlight the urgent need for inclusive governance and international cooperation to address Afghanistan’s complex challenges. The conference aims to provide a platform for diverse Afghan voices to discuss the country’s future and potential pathways to peace and stability.
The conference was initially scheduled for August 25-26 but was postponed by the South Asian research institute, citing organizational reasons. At that time, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, stated that while some social media platforms had hyped up the event, the Pakistani government was not the official host and had no role in its organization.
