KARACHI:
After the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban have once again consolidated their power in the country. About twenty years later, they have re-established their government in Afghanistan. Although they successfully took over Afghanistan, governing a war-torn country will be a significant challenge for them. The Taliban are facing both internal and external challenges. Considering that most of the world already holds a negative view of the Taliban, they will be required to make considerable changes in their policies and agenda. They will need to adopt flexibility to interact with the international community and gain recognition. They must avoid media censorship and ensure that women’s rights are protected to appease the international community. In addition, the Taliban should fulfil their promises which they made as part of the Doha Agreement.
The international community, particularly the US, should also assist the Taliban administration by providing humanitarian assistance and establishing diplomatic relations with them. The world powers must recognise that if the situation in Afghanistan further exacerbates, it will have serious repercussions for the entire international community.
Unfortunately, the Taliban recently announced their cabinet, which was not representative of minorities and women. They should share power inclusively with other Afghan communities. The Taliban should form an inclusive and broad-based government as soon as possible to fulfil their commitment with the global community. To restore a recognised and sustainable government, the Taliban must share power with other Afghan factions, ensure provision of human rights, guarantee fundamental rights of women and minorities, and ensure that Afghanistan is not used as a breeding ground for terrorism.
Haris Nawaz
Mardan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2021.
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