Advice to Taliban

China has stated the obvious by calling upon the Taliban to live up to their promises. In a reminder, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has told the dispensation in Kabul that it needs to introduce political reforms and set up an all-inclusive government so that recognition could come its way. This is no new position as Beijing and all of the regional countries have been reiterating the same position for long. Taliban must take this piece of advice as an SOS and walk the talk by not allowing non-state actors to make use of its soil for nefarious activities across the borders, and at the same time allow the minorities and women to have a say in the affairs of the state. Of course, the world is not asking for skies, but the minimum that is required from any civilised government is to abide by rules of international engagement and welfare for its own subjects.

Taliban, of late, are in the spotlight of international media as there have been reports of some hardliner-ism from the ruling strata. The confusion is marked with implementation domain, as men at the helm in Kabul assure of civility, whereas down the stream it is harassment and retribution for girl children when it comes to schooling, and women’s empowerment in the private and public sectors. So is the case with religious minorities and non-Pakthoons in the war-torn country who struggle to make a convenient living for themselves. Last but not least is the diaspora issue as Kabul has not been able to overcome the refugee settlement, and lack of civic amenities and economic opportunities has complicated the issue.

The Taliban must look beyond the immediate concern of ruling the West Asian state and ensure that all of its subjects are on board in the realms of security and fair-play in governance. The militia must realise that development, security and connectivity rest on peace in Afghanistan, and that can only come when Afghans are at peace with themselves. The Taliban must embrace the Chinese suggestion with an open heart.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2023.

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