Pakistan and Afghanistan bound in symbiotic relationship

Islamabad:Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, has said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are bound in a symbiotic relationship and have suffered together in the last four decades.

Mr Durrani was speaking as chief guest on the launch of “The return of the Taliban: international and regional perspectives” edited by Director Amina Khan here at Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS).

Durrani said that it was important for Afghanistan to address the issues relating to cross-border terrorism. He observed that given the neglect that Afghanistan faces, the book is a breath of fresh air for scholars searching for intellectual inputs about Afghanistan.

He said that individual contributions of scholars on Afghanistan and the region offer a better insight into the governance aspects of the country since the takeover by the Afghan Interim Government in 2021. On terrorism, he said that valuable insights by the authors should help policymakers and security community to take a serious note and tailor their responses.

Journalist and Analyst Zahid Hussain in his remarks stated that the book's timing is ideal, given the Taliban's unexpected return to power after twenty years of war. While legitimate concerns exist regarding women's education and human rights, the Taliban now fully control Afghanistan and are not isolated despite lacking formal recognition. He stressed the need for Afghanistan and Pakistan to work together, particularly on issues like the TTP, and emphasised resolving other issues. Ultimately, he argued that the Taliban must evolve internally to gain international recognition.

Amina Khan, Director, ISS, while introducing the book said that the book comes out at a very important juncture in Afghanistan’s history, as the Kabul regime completes three years in power as a de facto and not de jure political authority. She added that over the past 3 years, the Taliban's governing structure evolved and taken shape into what can be defined as an authoritarian yet selectively pragmatic governing style. It managed to establish a fair degree of stability and security throughout the country. They increased their diplomatic outreach and enhanced trade with neighboring and regional countries. She concluded by saying that achieving durable peace necessitates a comprehensive approach on the part of the international community but more so the Islamic Emirate, must fulfill its responsibilities by ensuring that the governance is inclusive, responsible, accountable and one that serves the Afghan people.

Rangina Hamidi, Former Minister of Education, Afghanistan, appreciated the diverse perspectives in the book and stated that in her opinion, the Taliban movement is not strictly Pashtun, although the movement mainly comprises of Pashtuns. She further said that the Pashtun people suffered on both sides of the border. She spoke of the importance of education for both boys and girls and lamented the restrictions on girl’s education and women’s rights. She concluded by saying that while the Taliban have not changed, the international community must promote engagement as there was no alternative and no military solution.

Omar Samad, non-resident senior fellow at Atlantic Council’s South Asia Centre, Washington, said that Afghanistan is a complex country and this comes across in many of the chapters in this book, as a pre and post-colonial nation-state in the region with shifting allegiances and emerging power centers. Sohail Mahmood, Director-General, ISS, and Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson, BoG, ISS, also spoke on the occasion.