On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi departed on a trip that will include stops in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran. The purpose of this trip is to discuss the situation in Afghanistan with neighbours who are trying to facilitate an inclusive political settlement at the earliest. According to reports, the FM has also spoken with Chinese leaders regarding the same issue.
The initiative being taken and the sense of urgency on display must be lauded. Islamabad realises the significance of working out a longstanding solution so that a humanitarian crisis can be averted in Afghanistan and that regional stability is maintained. This transitional period is pivotal as the Taliban hold consultations with various Afghan political factions to build a consensus for the formation of an inclusive government.
Meanwhile, the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan seems to be heading towards a delay, as US President Joe Biden is under immense pressure from the EU and UK to extend the August 31 pullout deadline. Unsurprisingly, the Taliban have warned of consequences if the US and its allies were to extend their presence in Afghanistan, and have also said that they will not announce the make-up of the new government until the last US soldier has departed. This is a delicate situation that needs to be handled with care so that no untoward incident takes place given the tragic scenes at Kabul airport.
FM Qureshi has rightly stated that the current situation in Afghanistan requires sustained international engagement to ensure stability and long-term economic development. During his visit to CARs and Iran, it is crucial that issues relating to Afghanistan’s economic stability and humanitarian needs are addressed. This is all the more important considering how the US has frozen nearly $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank. Support will be essential in the areas of reconstruction and rehabilitation at this critical juncture for the war-torn country, and the international community will have to step in and fulfil its responsibility to the people of Afghanistan.​
Published in Thenation 25th August 2021