A research institute in Islamabad is hosting Afghan leaders and women activists for a dialogue on regional peace and stability this week. This meeting marks a significant step in Pak-Afghan relations, which have shown improvement recently through initiatives like reviving the Joint Coordination Committee and upgrading diplomatic ranks. Notably, this will be the first high-level dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021.
This important event will be organized by South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (Sassi) University on August 25 and 26. Some Afghan TV channels and media run by Afghan journalists in exile contended that Pakistan has invited anti-Taliban leaders. However, the Sassi University chairperson Dr Maria Sultan denied that the dialogue was against the Taliban or other Afghan political parties. Like always, Former United States special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is in front row of those critiques who are just creating negative optics through biased speculations. He termed the meeting “unwise” due to the participation of some who oppose the Taliban. He wrote on X “Afghan citizens are entitled to their political views, but Pakistan’s seeming support of them by hosting their conference is hugely unwise and an intended provocation.” Before zooming in the criticism one should essentially remember that Khalilzad’s role in the Doha process and his relationship with the Taliban have been subjects of controversy. His actions and statements are being closely watched, and their negative implications for regional dynamics are significant. Zalmay Khalilzad is misrepresenting a dialogue called “Towards Unity and Trust” as a Pakistani plan to undermine the Taliban, despite his own involvement in the Doha process being contentious. His claims have sparked strong criticism on social media for distorting facts. Furthermore, Indian media is amplifying this propaganda by spreading unfounded allegations that Pakistan might allow anti-Taliban groups to set up offices, aiming to create tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Khalilzad’s actions and statements have raised eyebrows, particularly given his past role in negotiating with the Taliban. Critics argue that his attempts to advise Pakistan on internal matters, such as handling of internal stability matters including political differences, constitute unwarranted interference. The US State Department has distanced itself from Khalilzad’s comments, stating they reflect his personal views, not US foreign policy line. Organizer Dr Maria Sultan said, “The main purpose is to discuss peace and stability. This will also provide an opportunity for Afghans to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and adopt a joint stance.” Obviously, the dialogue is a civil society-led initiative by SASSI University, not a state-sponsored activity. Diplomatic community of Pakistan has categorically rejected Khalilzad’s misrepresentation and Indian media’s baseless spin. It is unethical and strange that Khalilzad, being a nobody in present dynamics, is urging Pakistan not to host the meeting, objecting to the presence of Afghan exiles opposed to the Taliban, including some who support the violent overthrow of their rule.
While the event merely remains an informal gathering being arranged by a think tank-not a government-sponsored initiative-such a sharp rejection reveals much about the mindset of those who opt to oppose. Academic and civil society initiatives should be encouraged, as they complement state-level diplomacy. Swift amplification of Khalilzad’s baseless objections in Indian media is enough to read the intended objectives. Speculative biased comments are nothing but targeted attempts to politicize the constructive engagement and expose ulterior motives of those who always pollute the good intentions of Pakistan. Such propaganda only seeks to sow distrust between two brotherly nations. In reality, this event will promote dialogue, mutual trust and regional stability without any sort of interference in internal matters of Afghanistan. The reality remains that such academic gatherings cannot be held within Afghanistan, particularly given the Taliban’s harsh restrictions on women’s participation in public life. Pakistan, therefore, becomes the only viable venue for such discussions. Pakistan’s interests are not only tied to its own security but also to the welfare of Afghan women and the wider hope of a stable, inclusive Afghanistan. It must therefore retain the freedom to facilitate dialogue and take steps that can lead to a safer, more constructive future for the entire region. Efforts to malign Pakistan ignore its consistent role as a responsible actor for regional peace and stability. Academic and civil society initiatives should be encouraged, as they complement state-level diplomacy. Baseless narratives only damage prospects of cooperation and confidence-building between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This disinformation campaign seem to be a pointed effort to undermine the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister to Afghanistan later this month.?