Webinar on “Interim Afghan Government in Power – Two Years On”

ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ – The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) hosted a webinar titled “Interim Afghan Government in Power – Two Years On”. The webinar was moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. The speakers at the webinar included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, Charge d’Affairs/ Minister Counselor, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Ms. Nargis Nehan, Former Afghan Minister of Mining and Petroleum, Ambassador Ayaz Wazir, Former Pakistani Diplomat, Dr Malick Ceesay, Head of Office, UNAMA Liaison Office, Islamabad, Ambassador Omar Samad, Nonresident Senior Fellow Atlantic Council and  Mr. Adam Weinstein, Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The concluding remarks were given by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stated that completion of the two year since Kabul’s fall and the establishment of Interim Afghan Government’s was an important juncture to take stock. He recalled the several unanticipated developments including short timeline of eventual U.S./NATO troop withdrawal, meek response of ANDSF to Taliban advances, and sudden departure of the then Afghanistan President that shaped the turn of events culminating in the transition of 15 August 2021. He underscored Pakistan’s role in mobilization of international support for preventing a humanitarian crisis and crafting a regional response with Afghanistan’s neighbors through the establishment of Six Neighboring Countries platform. He added that besides humanitarian assistance, unfreezing of Afghanistan’s financial assets was pivotal for building a sustainable economy in Afghanistan.  He noted that while territorial control had been established and security environment had improved, terrorist attacks by Daesh/ISKP had continued. While shedding light on other challenges, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood pointed out that inclusive governance and girls’ education and women’s rights faced restrictions, while terrorist entities targeting Pakistan remained a concern requiring concrete steps by the Interim Afghan authorities. He stressed that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in the vital interest of Pakistan, while regional economic integration and connectivity – including through CPEC – would benefit all. In the wake of prevailing challenges and opportunities, Ambassador Mahmood stressed the need for all actors to ensure a prudent response, constructive engagement, and win-win outcomes.

Ms. Amina Khan stated that initially, there was lack of clarity regarding the Taliban’s return to power, but the past two years have provided significant insights into the Taliban’s approach, which can be described as a blend of authoritarian policies and pragmatism. Despite lacking formal recognition, the group has consolidated their position as the de facto and not de jure political authority. In spite of shortcomings in the Taliban’s governance structure,  they have  achieved some semblance of stability and security, visible pragmatism regarding the economy, clamped down on corruption and reduced poppy cultivation. However, major concerns continue to persist regarding political and social cohesion, denial of basic yet fundamental human rights, and discrimination against women, further exacerbated by humanitarian crisis and presence of terrorist groups. She said learning from past mistakes is crucial as this is a rare chance for all Afghans to unite and focus on a political system that is inclusive, accountable, and one that serves the Afghan people.

Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb highlighted the Interim government’s achievements in Afghanistan’s security and economy. He noted a substantial 90% reduction in poppy production and highlighted the efforts regarding drug addicts rehabilitation, which included a vocational program for drug addiction recovery. While shedding light on other achievements, he said that the economic achievements include combating food insecurity and poverty, reducing inflation from 18% to 9%, and strengthening the Afghan currency against the US dollar. Security measures also included a dedicated ports committee and women’s involvement in commerce. Diplomatically, he mentioned that there has been active engagement and high-level meetings between the current dispensation and representatives of various countries and international organisations.

Ms. Nargis Nehan stressed the importance of an inclusive government, women’s rights, and safeguarding minority rights for effective national functioning. She highlighted fundamental pre-transition institutions and urged stability through a Taliban-consensus framework, emphasizing women’s education.

Ambassador Ayaz Wazir acknowledged the present peace in Afghanistan but expressed concern over human rights violations and women’s education. He proposed that a framework be established to effectively address the matter of co-education based on religious principles. He also urged trust-building between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and suggested Chinese facilitation in bridging the trust gap. Ambassador Wazir also said that Pakistan’s priorities in Afghanistan require making decisions that serve its own interests, rather than conforming to the models or desires of any other countries.

Dr. Malick Ceesay highlighted Afghanistan’s evolving landscape with the Taliban’s security efforts, curbing regional warlord influence and fostering local security. Despite UN and US sanctions, he also acknowledged China’s growing influence through diplomatic and economic collaborations. He emphasized challenges in recognition due to Taliban-imposed restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment and said that a proactive response to ISKP’s presence was required.

Ambassador Omar Samad expressed that this juncture is crucial in Afghanistan’s history, highlighting the impact on Afghan lives. He said that shared narratives involving all segments of society are essential, encompassing security, stability, counterterrorism, women’s education, and economic growth. He emphasized on-ground engagement and the significance of women’s education, employment, and inclusivity. He concluded by stressing on regional countries’ respect for Afghan sovereignty.

Mr. Adam Weinstein, while expressing his views, said that we need to work towards more sustainable solutions. While shedding light on some of the achievements of the Taliban, he said that the Taliban have managed the economy and infrastructure development. However, on the downside of things, he said that the ban on girls education and restrictions on their presence in work places have further plunged the Afghan women into isolation. He further said that diplomacy with the Taliban is the only way forward and concluded by saying that the Taliban must not miss this opportunity as over time, the international community will put Afghanistan on the backburner. 

During the Q&A session further comments were made on the issues of security, counter-terrorism, recognition, role of Afghan diaspora, nature of the resistance front, and regional and international diplomacy.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood concluded by addressing Afghanistan’s situation, noting achievements but acknowledging international concerns on human rights, terrorism, and inclusive politics. He urged constructive dialogue over static opposition.