Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan criticised conditions in the country under Taliban rule at a regional meeting in Tehran, saying the Afghan people deserve better.
Speaking at the Meeting of Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries Plus Russia, Mohammad Sadiq Khan said participants shared the view that the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan poses a major challenge to regional security.
He said that the people of Afghanistan have endured immense suffering and deserve better conditions.
He urged the Taliban to take practical steps to ease the hardship faced by Afghans, adding that the most important measure would be the complete and non-discriminatory elimination of all terrorist groups from Afghan territory.
The regional meeting on Afghanistan began on Sunday, in Tehran with the participation of representatives from Russia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Although invited by Iran, the Taliban declined to attend.
Khan said Afghanistan would only be able to gain the trust of neighbouring and regional countries for meaningful engagement once it is free of terrorist groups. He added that such engagement could help revive Afghanistan’s economic potential and strengthen regional connectivity.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly raised security concerns and accused the Taliban of providing safe haven to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants in Afghanistan. United Nations Security Council reports have confirmed the presence of the group. The Taliban have denied the allegations and accused Pakistan of failing to ensure its own security.
