ISLAMABAD —Pakistan on Wednesday proposed the formation of a working group of experts from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan to develop a practical roadmap addressing key issues in the country. The proposal was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during the inaugural meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan in New York, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The OIC Contact Group, formed in 2009 under Germany’s auspices, comprises 50 member states. Pakistan’s proposal aims to address Afghanistan’s political stalemate, economic instability, humanitarian crises, and regional security challenges. Bilawal emphasized that the Taliban must lift restrictions on women and girls, which he described as “unjustified and contrary to Islamic principles and norms of Muslim society,” following a recent Taliban decree banning works by Afghan women writers.
He stressed the importance of international support for humanitarian aid, economic stabilization, and dialogue with the Taliban to ensure compliance with international obligations. Pakistan also highlighted the need to assist Afghan refugees in returning safely and integrating into society, while addressing the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, particularly from groups such as the TTP, BLA, Majeed Brigade, and ETIM.
Bilawal underscored that meaningful progress requires the Taliban to take concrete actions to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base for attacks against neighboring countries, especially Pakistan. He stated, “Pakistan is committed to supporting all efforts for realizing a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. But this requires mutual respect, sincerity, and the demonstration of necessary political will by the Taliban authorities to help us help them.”
The proposal reflects Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to engage the OIC and other international partners in addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian, political, and security challenges while promoting regional stability.