Islamabad (Adnan Hameed): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI), hosted the launch of the book “Navigating Uncertainty: Perspectives on Post-Taliban Afghanistan and Geopolitical Footsteps,” edited by Sheharyar Khan. The book was jointly published by the Hans Seidel Foundation (HSF) and the National Dialogue Forum (NDF).

The event featured distinguished speakers, including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI; Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, ISSI; Mr. Sheharyar Khan, Executive Director NDF; and experts like Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to Afghanistan, and Dr. Hassan Abbas from the National Defense University, Washington D.C. The keynote address was delivered by former Foreign Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, who served as the event’s Chief Guest.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Amina Khan highlighted the book’s significance, emphasizing its intellectual contribution to understanding Afghanistan’s post-Taliban realities. She noted that the work offers authentic regional perspectives, countering narratives often shaped outside the region.

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood provided a historical overview of Afghanistan’s turbulent past, from the Soviet invasion to the Taliban’s recent return to power. He described the book as an insightful exploration of Afghanistan’s internal dynamics, geopolitical complexities, and potential pathways for stability. He stressed Pakistan’s enduring interest in Afghanistan’s peace and called for a collaborative approach to resolve cross-border terrorism and other shared challenges.

Keynote speaker Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan underscored Afghanistan’s evolving situation, noting improvements in areas like narcotics reduction and primary education. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as terrorism, and emphasized Afghanistan’s importance as a transit corridor connecting South Asia to Central Asia.

Mr. Sheharyar Khan introduced the book as an effort to move beyond narratives of war, providing diverse perspectives on Afghanistan’s political, economic, and social realities.

Dr. Hassan Abbas elaborated on the Taliban’s governance model, highlighting their centralization of power in Kandahar and their efforts to maintain regional outreach while cautioning against threats like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan emphasized the shortcomings of the Doha Peace Agreement, particularly in addressing Afghanistan’s internal conflicts. He noted the Taliban’s struggle to transition from insurgency to governance and urged Pakistan to adopt a political approach to its relationship with Afghanistan.

German diplomat Arno Kirchhof praised the decline in narcotics production but stressed the importance of addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian challenges and safeguarding women’s and girls’ education as critical to the nation’s progress.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Afghanistan’s future, stressing the importance of a strategic, regional approach to address terrorism, human rights, and economic cooperation. He reiterated the necessity of careful engagement to ensure stability in the region.

The book launch underscored the complexities of post-Taliban Afghanistan and highlighted the critical role of regional collaboration in addressing its challenges.

By Admin

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