Pakistan is orchestrating a meeting in Islamabad on August 25-26, involving anti-Taliban leaders. The gathering is expected to include around 30 figures, including Afghan political exiles, activists, women’s rights representatives, and protest movement members, alongside senior Pakistani officials. The discussions will focus on human rights issues, the situation of women, and the future political landscape of Afghanistan.
This informal meeting, called “Pak-Afghan Dialogue – Towards Unity and Trust,” is being organized by the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute University in Islamabad. It’s viewed as Pakistan’s attempt to undermine the Taliban’s authority and portray them as a terrorist threat.
Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. envoy, has denounced Pakistan’s support for the meeting, citing potential risks. He pointed out the possibility of exacerbating tensions.
Pakistan has expressed its concerns to the UN about the terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, which it views as a regional and global security issue. Pakistan’s representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, highlighted the continued instability in Afghanistan, including the presence of ISIS-K. He emphasized the need to address groups like the TTP and Baloch insurgents.
Pakistan views the TTP as a significant threat, with nearly 6,000 fighters operating from Afghanistan. While the Taliban denies the presence of such groups, UN reports confirm the TTP’s presence. The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan has turned down an invitation to the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani foreign ministry has remained silent on the issue. The meeting comes at a time when the Taliban’s foreign minister postponed a planned visit to Pakistan. In addition, a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan took place in Kabul on August 20th, focusing on shared interests. While no trade agreement was finalized, China advanced its strategic objectives by reaching an agreement for the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Kabul.