The troika consensus
Pakistan has pushed the envelope further by holding a troika meeting on Afghanistan. The huddle of special envoys of the United States, China and Russia in Islamabad has come at an opportune moment. The realisation that the dispensation in Kabul is in need of humanitarian assistance and logistical support for overcoming odds is a great diplomatic stride. In fact, it comes as a de facto acknowledgment of changing realities in the war-torn country, especially as the Taliban government longs for recognition. The extended troika, as it is called, with Pakistan leading the initiative has successfully carved out a consensus to keep on striving and working profoundly on common denominators, with the express intention of avoiding another exodus in the region. At the same time, the nod to engage the militia is a prudent decision, and will go a long way in ushering in confidence for the Afghans as they engage in nation-building.
The troika also had an opportunity to discuss the reservations associated with the new regime, and their face-to-face meeting with a high-powered delegation from Kabul is a case in point. While the troika stressed over the need on the part of Taliban to broaden the dispensation in Kabul, in order to make it further inclusive, what made it a two-way traffic is the attentive hearing from Taliban and their nod to walk the talk. Thus, with the passage of time, a pluralistic system of governance is on the cards in Afghanistan, as it will come in lieu of international acknowledgment of the regime. There couldn’t be any better quid pro quo.
The presence of Interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi made the consortium of talks more meaningful. It, indeed, came as a tribute to Pakistan’s sincerity for ensuring peace and stability in the region, and the good point is that Beijing, Moscow and Washington are on the same page. With the war-weary country in immediate need of economic lifeline, this moot has at least assured that there won’t be any abandonment of Afghanistan. Unfreezing of assets and consolidating the political process must make headway in weeks and months to come.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2021.
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