Afghan govt must move from ‘militant mindset’ to statesmanship: Tarar

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has urged the Afghan interim government to abandon its "militant mindset" and adopt a more statesmanlike approach in order to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. Speaking at an event organized by the International Parliamentarians Congress, Tarar raised concerns that the Afghan government's mindset was not conducive to peace, questioning whether Afghanistan had the will to achieve peace.

He emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan, as neighboring countries with a long history of ties, share a responsibility to work towards peace. Tarar noted that Pakistan has hosted over four million Afghan refugees over several decades and has made numerous attempts to resolve outstanding issues through negotiations, including delegations traveling to Afghanistan and talks in third countries, such as Istanbul and Doha.

However, Tarar highlighted that the main obstacles to peace include militancy and the presence of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan, which Pakistan strongly criticizes, while the Taliban denies these allegations. Recent tensions, such as cross-border attacks and Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan, have further complicated the situation.

Tarar argued that peace between the two nations could unlock opportunities for increased trade and regional connectivity, particularly by linking Central Asian states to Pakistani ports and warm-water routes through Afghanistan. He also pointed out Afghanistan's substantial economic potential, suggesting that regional trade and investment could thrive if peace and stability were established.

Additionally, Tarar expressed concern over restrictions limiting women's participation in the workforce and access to basic rights, such as education and assembly, noting that there is a disconnect between the Afghan interim government and ordinary Afghans who desire peace, stability, and economic prosperity. He reiterated that Afghanistan's stability would benefit the entire region and warned that Pakistan's pursuit of peace should not be seen as a sign of weakness, as Islamabad has responded to attacks and would respond to any attempts to destabilize the country.

Tarar concluded by stating that the people of Afghanistan deserve a more prosperous future and should have a say in shaping their nation's future.