Peace in Afghanistan Needs Broad-Based Approach, Says Pakistani Envoy

Islamabad:Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador (Retired) Muhammad Sadiq, emphasized that achieving durable peace and stability in Afghanistan requires a broad-based arrangement and the productive engagement of all its people.

According to Radio Pakistan, Sadiq addressed a seminar in Islamabad, highlighting Afghanistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia. He noted that developments in Afghanistan significantly impact trade, security, and stability across the European landmass.

Sadiq criticized the current governing structure in Afghanistan as myopic and unrepresentative, pointing out the systemic exclusion of women from public life as a glaring example. He expressed concern over the presence of militant organizations on Afghan soil, which pose a direct threat to neighboring countries and the wider region.

He stated that the regime in Kabul remains in denial about these threats, failing to acknowledge or address the issue in a verifiable manner. This situation, he warned, has led to increased cross-border security challenges for Pakistan and heightened concerns about border stability for Central Asian nations.

Sadiq concluded that Afghanistan’s challenges cannot be treated as a bilateral issue. Instead, he called for collective responsibility and action from the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.