Advice for Taliban

T he desire for regional congeniality was up to mark in Goa. Foreign ministers of Russia, India and Pakistan in a rare communique on the sidelines of the SCO meeting called on the regime in Kabul to respect human rights, and to live up to the pledges it has made with the world community. The fact that all these three countries that otherwise had divergent views on the landlocked state in the yesteryears of civil-strife were on one page was a blessing in disguise, and had sent a strong message to the Taliban dispensation.

The hopes and aspirations pertain to securing foreign interests in Afghanistan, not to enable terrorists to use their soil for ulterior motives against neighbours, and eradicating drug and human trafficking. Though a tall order for the recognition-starved entity in Kabul, the intention is to make it realise that a broad and inclusive government is indispensable. As a delegation from Kabul is due in Islamabad next week for a trilateral huddle also involving China, the SCOs communique will surely act as a pressure valve.

While the Taliban had taken major strides in ensuring women’s empowerment since they swung back to power in August 2021, much still remains to be done. The immediate priorities, nonetheless, before the regional states must be to ensure that the war-torn country does not slip back into anarchy, and the unscrupulous elements that are holed up inside are taken out. It is necessary for the survival of Taliban too, as militants of al-Qaeda, IS-K and Tehrik-e-Taliban have a pie to share if the order is torpedoed once again. This underscores the necessity of buckling up of Taliban, and to compelling them to walk the talk.

Merely condemning the militia to sanctions and seclusion would not work. The Taliban would do better to adhere to SCO communique, as they hold the key for development and prosperity in the region. As stated by Pakistan’s foreign minister, Afghanistan comes with challenges and opportunities. The need of the hour is to dole out a Marshal Plan for the Southwest Asian state, and coordinate measures to pull it out of poverty and desolation.