The Afghan situation and the interim government’s progress in fulfilling commitments made to the international community will be discussed at the upcoming meeting in Oslo. Senior officials from western countries and other key Afghan stakeholders will participate, seeking ways to maintain engagement with the interim government amidst concerns. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar will lead the Pakistani delegation, accompanied by newly-appointed Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Ali Durrani.
During her official visits to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium from June 5 to 13, Minister Khar will engage in ministerial-level discussions on political engagement, development cooperation, trade, and climate change. She will also meet with lawmakers, local entrepreneurs, members of the European Parliament, and senior officials of the European Commission. Furthermore, Minister Khar will present Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global issues of importance, fostering dialogues with leading European decision-makers, experts, think-tanks, and influencers.
Although her participation in the Afghanistan meeting has not been confirmed, this gathering in Oslo represents a significant effort by the international community to support the interim Afghan government and address critical concerns.
Qatar’s PM Meets with Taliban Leader in Secret Talks
Earlier this month, Qatar’s Prime Minister engaged in secret talks with the supreme leader of the Taliban, marking the first known meeting between the reclusive Taliban chief and a foreign leader. The talks, focused on resolving tension with the international community, were briefed to the US President Joe Biden’s administration, which is coordinating on the discussed issues. Qatar, leveraging its ties with the Taliban, seeks deeper engagement between Kabul and the international community, emphasizing the importance of ending Taliban restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment.
The United States, along with other countries, urges the Taliban to lift bans on girls’ schooling and women working, aiming to restore freedom of movement and promote inclusivity in the government. By elevating the discussions to a higher level, there is hope for a breakthrough that can end these unique bans and alleviate the dire humanitarian and financial crises affecting millions of Afghans.
Published in PakWeb, June 4th, 2023.
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