TERRORISM emanating from Afghanistan is not just a concern for Pakistan but poses a significant danger to the entire region.
In this context, the multilateral meeting in Tehran, where countries from the region came together to discuss Afghanistan’s situation, serves as an important juncture in shaping the region’s approach to this menace.
The forum brought together special representatives from Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran and Central Asian nations. Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, was clear in his remarks, pointing out that the continued threat from terror groups operating within Afghan soil are a big challenge for the region. This assessment resonates with the concerns of all the countries involved, as the security of one nation is inextricably linked to the security of its neighbours. This is not merely a matter of regional security; it is also in Afghanistan’s own interest to do so. The Taliban’s refusal to attend the meeting in Tehran speaks volumes about their lack of commitment to address the terrorism problem and their disinterest in engaging constructively with their neighbours. The fact that they chose to sit out a forum that sought a collective regional solution suggests a regime that remains disconnected from the reality of the region’s concerns and the urgent need for international cooperation. At the forum, Iran stressed the importance of regional cooperation and dismissed the idea of external interventions, emphasizing that Afghanistan’s problems must be solved by its neighbours, who are “the most natural and reliable actors” in this process. This is a critical point. Afghanistan’s location makes it a pivotal player in regional trade and connectivity. However, its failure to control terrorist elements within its borders effectively isolates it from this potential, keeping it locked in a state of instability. As long as Afghanistan remains a haven for terror groups, no country whether in the region or beyond will be willing to engage with it in any meaningful way. In fact, Afghanistan’s future depends on the cessation of support for terrorism and a concerted effort to dismantle the networks that continue to operate within its territory. Only by doing so can it hope to develop diplomatic and trade relationships that are critical for its recovery.
