ISLAMABAD: A senior Pakistani diplomat managing Afghan relations has issued a stark warning that another 9/11-style attack could emanate from Afghanistan, a country he claims the world has largely neglected.
“Afghanistan has almost been forgotten. There is no doubt about it, and this was highlighted during the Doha 3 session in June. Humanitarian assistance is not up to the mark. Even last year, only one-third of the commitments were fulfilled,” stated Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, during a talk at the Ambassadors’ Lounge.
Durrani pointed out that the global focus has shifted due to the Ukraine war and the ongoing Palestinian crisis. “Afghanistan is no more in the news. Forget about front or back pages, even in the inner pages, Afghanistan is absent,” he remarked.
He cautioned that the deteriorating situation could push Afghanistan back to pre-9/11 conditions, potentially leading to another catastrophic event. Durrani also highlighted the dire economic situation in Afghanistan, with 97% of the population living below the poverty line, and 52% reliant on international humanitarian aid.
“If the economic situation continues to deteriorate, people in Afghanistan might start leaving the country, with Pakistan being a favored destination. This is a matter of concern for us, and the international community should be aware of their responsibilities,” he added.
The special envoy also expressed concern over the growing presence of terrorist groups, including Daesh Khorasan (ISKP), which poses a significant threat to the region and beyond.
“My worry is that ISKP is gaining ground inside Afghanistan, and that should be a source of concern for everyone in the region and beyond because of their actions in Iran, Moscow, and several operations inside Pakistan. If that can happen here, it can happen elsewhere,” Durrani warned.
Reflecting on the three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Durrani acknowledged that the security situation had improved and corruption had decreased. However, he criticized the Taliban’s strict enforcement of rules, particularly the ban on girls’ education, which has hindered their chances of gaining international recognition.
Durrani also addressed the strained relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, exacerbated by the Taliban’s refusal to neutralize the TTP threat. He noted that while peace in Afghanistan is welcomed by Pakistan, the increase in TTP attacks by 70% has become a significant issue.
When questioned about Pakistan’s strategy to deal with the TTP, Durrani remained confident in the effectiveness of diplomacy, expressing optimism that the issue would be resolved despite the Taliban’s reluctance to act against terrorist sanctuaries.
