Afghanistan issue: Tarar advocates peaceful resolution through dialogue

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar maintained on Tuesday that Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the Afghanistan issue, yet cautioned against interpreting Pakistan's desire for peace as weakness. He stated that any attempt to destabilize Pakistan would be met with a response.

Addressing an Islamabad event on the situation in Afghanistan and peace progress, Tarar described the Afghan scenario as an "extremely complex" matter requiring a lasting and sustainable solution. He urged the Afghan interim government to abandon a "militant mindset" and adopt responsible state behavior, arguing that many of Afghanistan's current challenges stem from such thinking.

Pakistan, he reiterated, is committed to peace, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence, having made multiple diplomatic efforts to find a suitable and friendly solution to the Afghan issue. Delegations have visited Afghanistan, and negotiations took place in Istanbul and Doha. However, Tarar expressed concern over terrorist safe havens and proscribed organizations within Afghanistan, stating that sustainable peace would be challenging unless these issues are tackled.

He emphasized that a peaceful Afghanistan could unlock significant economic opportunities for Afghans and the wider region, particularly by expanding trade and regional connectivity. The minister highlighted how Afghanistan's strategic location could link Central Asian states with Pakistan, providing access to warm-water ports. He further stated that peace in Afghanistan could facilitate trade route openings from Central Asia to Pakistan, increase investment, and foster broader regional economic integration.

Tarar pointed out a gap between the Afghan populace and the interim government, noting that a significant section of the population lacks opportunities to contribute to economic development. The majority of Afghans are young, and a large number of women remain outside the workforce. He called for fundamental rights, including education, freedom of assembly and association, and economic opportunities, for Afghan citizens.

Tarar urged the Afghan interim government to shift its focus toward improving the lives and economic prospects of its people, emphasizing that Afghanistan's stability could have far-reaching implications for security and economic development across the region. He reiterated Pakistan's support for negotiations aimed at achieving an acceptable and friendly resolution of the Afghan issue, stressing that the Afghan people deserve a peaceful and prosperous future.

Tarar reiterated that sustainable peace in Afghanistan could bolster regional stability, boost trade and investment, and allow the country to realize its potential as a vital connectivity corridor between Central and South Asia.