THE concept of civil society became familiar in the global south during 21st century, due to its significant role in defining state’s orientation and development in the western democracies. Through civil society platforms, the country’s academia, intelligentsia, social workers and NGOs, organize themselves voluntarily to promote human rights, social justice and service delivery by influencing state’s economic and political outlook. These civil society platforms work as a medium to communicate between the government institutions and public sector for the eradication of the bureaucratic irritants and sustainable growth and welfare. The alignment of welfare agenda helps them secure funds from international civil society forums for promoting education, healthcare, human rights and freedom of expression.
The role of civil society becomes more pronounced in conflict prone regions such as Afghanistan. Historically, Afghan civil society remained vibrant and progressive in the form of Jirga and Lashkar which were used for disputes resolutions and peace enforcement. Jirga, predominantly comprised tribal elders, Afghan clergy and religious leaders, with distinct influence over the political and economic policies of the country. The West inspired civil society evolved in the country in the early 20th century which worked progressively parallel to the traditional civil society forums. The country experienced growth, modernization and women education was encouraged. The Soviet invasion in 1979, changed country’s orientation which marked the beginning of incessant political confrontation, economic degradation, sectarianism and extremism. The damages of the prolonged war led to devastation of education and health infrastructure, in subsequent civil war. Consequently, Afghan civil society ceased to exist in the country due to huge migrations, brain drain, youth casualties and lack of infrastructure.
The rise of Taliban in 1996 and later in September 2021 introduced another challenging era for the Afghan civil society. The self-proclaimed ‘Islamic Emirate’ proved to be the most autocrat government in the country which has refused to fulfil its commitment of installing an inclusive Afghan government, respect women rights and deny the use of its soil by the terror organizations. Their stern policies deprive the public to access basic human rights, impose oppressive and discriminatory policies, deny political representation to other factions and deny the right of expression. Under ‘Shariah law’, the women are confined to their homes with no accessibility to education, political representation and social justice. Afghan civil society has been severely undermined due to Afghan Taliban’s belligerent policies, having limited scope to pursue their mandate. Perceived as West inclined and against Islamic values, the civil society forums and NGOs have either been closed or forced to remain aligned with their policies under new civil society law called ‘Layha’. The journalists, reporters and media houses have been forced to abandon anti-Taliban stance through violence, shut down and threats.
In response to Taliban’s policies, international community imposed economic and financial sanctions which further exacerbated Afghan civil society. The freezing of over $7 billion Afghan central bank assets has further deteriorated the already crippled Afghan economy with more devastation to healthcare and education infrastructure. Brutal and revengeful policies forced accelerated youth and brain drain, fleeing of academia and intelligentsia from the country. Gender discrimination and anti-democratic policies led to Afghans’ global isolation and increasing human catastrophe. In order to address the humanitarian challenges, regional states including Pakistan have been extending technical and financial support in rehabilitation and reconstruction. USAID has resumed certain programs that were active before August 2021 and has provided new funding to address critical needs related to poverty, hunger, malnutrition, economic stress, healthcare, agriculture and education.
Despite regional and international efforts, Taliban’s radical approach and non-efficacy of Afghan civil society became detrimental to regional integration and stability. Today, Afghanistan has become a terror hub where various elements are organized and trained to undertake terror activities in the neighbouring countries. Pakistan is mostly affected from such activities, however, its protests have consistently fallen on deaf ears. Taliban’s refusal to prevent terror attacks from its soil has forced neighbouring countries to ensure their security through disengagement with Taliban, enhanced border security and refugees monitoring to deny terror infiltration into their borders. Such measures have exacerbated the economic and financial challenges of the country with no imminent revival opportunities, exposing it to exploitation by non-state terror elements.
Today, Afghanistan is mired in a humanitarian crisis, experiencing a complex political emergency and, above all, a near-collapse of the state. However, this should not be mistaken for the collapse of society. Despite years of conflict and hardship, the resilience and spirit of the Afghan people remain strong. Afghan civil society now faces the critical task of redefining itself, laying the groundwork for the reconstruction of a well-governed society out of the current chaos. Afghan intelligentsia and academia need to revive themselves to enforce democratic values and incite people to stand for their rights and eradicate the menace of extremism and terrorism from the society and engage regional community for growth and prosperity.
However, Afghan civil society cannot revive without financial and material support of the regional community and global institutions. Their increased public welfare activities and promotion of basic human rights will spur public support and force Taliban to soften their policy for the civil society and its functioning. It is also evident that such revival may not be possible overnight, however, Afghan intelligentsia and academia working in exile, may play their role with the backing of the international community. Afghan women working from transfrontier for the women rights must be encouraged and supported. However, Afghan Taliban should remain under international sanctions till reversal of their policies and relaxation of environment for human rights and functioning of the Afghan civil society.
—The writer is a freelancer who writes for different journals.
