US envoy, Pakistan officials discuss Afghan Taliban ban on women

West says he discussed ‘dangerous impact of Taliban edicts on millions of Afghans’ access to vital aid and education’

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West, who visited Pakistan on January 30-31, discussed terrorism and Afghan Taliban’s ban on girls education with top officials including army chief General Syed Asim Munir.

1/6 Appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality over two days of productive meetings re Afghanistan. Conveyed my profound condolences for the loss of so many innocent lives in Peshawar after the horrific terrorist attack there. We stand with Pakistan in condemning this senseless assault.

— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) January 31, 2023

In a tweet from his official handle on Tuesday, the US envoy appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality over two days of productive meetings related to Afghanistan.

West said he held meetings with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq and Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed Khan.

2/6 Discussed with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, @AmbassadorSadiq & @asadmk17 the terrorism & security situations, need for int’l unity, & dangerous impact of Taliban edicts on millions of Afghans’ access to vital aid & education.

— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) January 31, 2023

During the meetings, the envoy said they discussed terrorism and security situations, “need for international unity and dangerous impact of Taliban edicts on millions of Afghans’ access to vital aid and education”.

The US envoy said he also urged support for important work of the UN and implementers to secure reversal of the de facto rulers ban on women aid workers and female education.

Also read: US seeks consensus against Afghan Taliban after deviation from Doha deal

“Met courageous Afghan women and heard critical demands and observations: Women-headed households in Afghanistan are suffering, and int’l community must prioritise their needs,” he added.

The US point person for Afghanistan said women and girls confined to home are experiencing extreme mental and psychological stresses, “without ability to move freely, get educated”.

US @US4AfghanPeace Thomas West called on Foreign Secretary Asad M. Khan, today. Views on the regional situation were exchanged during the meeting. FS @asadmk17 reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and interconnected region. pic.twitter.com/OhkqnFeWJi

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 30, 2023

“Reviewed with UNHCR and World Bank robust support for Afghan refugees and millions of basic human needs of millions of Afghans.”

He also conveyed his profound condolences for the loss of so many innocent lives in Peshawar after the horrific terrorist attack. “We stand with Pakistan in condemning this senseless assault.”