Islamabad, 30 August 2024 (TDI): Asif Ali Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has commended Kabul’s initiatives in combating corruption, reducing drug production, and enhancing security in Afghanistan.
His remarks came during the launch of the book, “The Return of the Taliban: International and Regional Perspectives.”
However, Durrani expressed concerns regarding the prohibition of girls’ education and women’s rights to work under the current Afghan administration.
“Many have acknowledged the positive changes in Afghanistan over the past three years, including less corruption, a drastic reduction in poppy cultivation, and an overall improvement in security,” he said.
“However, there are concerns about girls’ education and women’s rights to work. No society—Islamic or otherwise—will allow such restrictions to continue,” Durrani added.
Taliban’s Commitments
Sohail Mahmood, head of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for Afghanistan to honor its commitments to establishing an inclusive government and upholding human rights.
“The interim government needs to abide by the pledges they made in Doha regarding inclusivity, respect for the rights of all Afghans, and, above all, not allowing Afghanistan’s territory to be used against any country,” Mahmood stated.
Meanwhile, Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior, said that the country has nearly eliminated narcotics production.
“Afghanistan has acted with seriousness, decisiveness, and wise management in eradicating narcotics and has achieved significant success, he said.
