Rustam Shah Mohmand

Islamabad and regional countries must realize that any chaos that may occur leading to a breakdown of the law and order situation would be the direct outcome of the withholding of billions of dollars worth of Afghan assets in American banks.

Pakistan’s policy towards India is designed to prolong the status quo. This would mean an eternal confrontation at the cost of socio-economic development. The status quo delivers power and resources to some but results in an agonizing and bitter rivalry that has increased poverty.

Taliban leaders have repeatedly emphasized their determination to ensure girls go back to schools and universities with their ‘hijabs.' Women’s right to seek jobs has been accepted. Now what the Taliban need to do is formulate a proper vision about their scheme of pluralism and participative decision-making. 

Rustam Shah Mohmand, a specialist in Afghanistan and Central Asian Affairs, discusses that tribal areas being merged into KPK province was an ill-thought-out process. Instead of ensuring prosperity for tribes, the merger has created problems for the people.

When conditions are ripe and the environment is conducive, the bulk of Afghan refugees in Pakistan will choose to repatriate voluntarily. All efforts must be made to create that environment. A number of initiatives have been launched to cater to the needs of refugees

The Taliban have a unique opportunity to unite their country and launch the country on a development trajectory if some immediate economic and governance issues are addressed. International recognition is a pressing need and Pakistan needs to take a less ambiguous position and lead from the front.

With the last bastion of opposition now gone, the Taliban have fully established their rule in the war-ravaged country. The daunting challenge of socio-economic emancipation will test their resolve and skills and the task becomes more complex when weighed in the context of ethnic and gender equality.

There is a widespread perception in Afghanistan that Pakistan wants a government in Kabul and has a nefarious agenda when in reality there is no such agenda. Considering this, Islamabad needs to be careful as its every move will be greeted with suspicion.