Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The presence of militant groups on Afghan soil continues to threaten regional stability, experts stated during a seminar titled “Geopolitical Shifts and Security Challenges: Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Regional Power Play” hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS).
Veteran journalist Kathy Gannon, a former Associated Press correspondent, noted that while Afghanistan may not have invited these militant groups, their presence remains a serious security concern. She stressed the importance of restoring trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan, suggesting that Islamabad could influence Kabul more effectively by engaging as an equal partner in regional cooperation. Gannon also urged Pakistan to adopt a long-term strategy to counter terrorist groups and address internal security threats.
Former Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, described Pakistan and Afghanistan as “twin brothers” who have supported each other despite diplomatic fluctuations. He welcomed the upgraded diplomatic relations between both countries and praised the inclusion of Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He further noted that the recent trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China focused on counterterrorism cooperation, law enforcement collaboration, and preventing external interference in regional affairs.
IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem emphasized that despite challenges, regional geopolitics and mutual interests have encouraged consistent engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He expressed optimism that the latest trilateral dialogue in Beijing would strengthen counterterrorism efforts, regional stability, and economic integration.
Meanwhile, Aarish Khan, Head of the Afghanistan Program at IRS, acknowledged that while the Taliban has not met international demands for political inclusion, women’s education, and civil liberties, it has significantly improved diplomatic relations with Beijing, Moscow, Islamabad, and the UN, as evidenced in the Doha III talks last year. He also noted the Afghan interim government’s recent actions against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Abrar Hussain, reiterated that Islamabad’s priority in Afghanistan remains peace and stability, regardless of who is in power.
With ongoing security threats, analysts underscore the need for continued diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation to ensure stability.