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Absence of special envoy seen as Islamabad’s ‘reluctance’ to engage with IEA
The Pakistani government removed Durrani amid tensions with Kabul. No official explanation was provided.
Questions have been raised over Pakistan’s failure to appoint a new special envoy for Afghanistan after Asif Durrani, a retired diplomat, was removed from the post almost six weeks ago.
Sources familiar with the issue told Pakistan’s Express Tribune that Islamabad’s reluctance to appoint a new envoy “reflects Pakistan's strategy to avoid extensive engagement with the Taliban (Islamic Emirate) government due to its ongoing support for the banned TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan)”.
The Tribune reported that the government's hesitation stems from the ineffectiveness of the role, given the minimal diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding that “officials at the Foreign Office believe they can manage Afghan affairs without needing a retired diplomat in the position”.
Regional countries and other stakeholders have typically appointed special representatives to address concerns and coordinate with international partners over issues relating to Afghanistan.
However, on September 10, the Pakistani government removed Durrani amid tensions with Kabul. No official explanation was provided.
The Tribune reports however, that tensions are running high, with Pakistan continuing to accuse the Islamic Emirate of not taking steps against the TTP in Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate meanwhile has repeatedly denied providing sanctuary to the militant group and has also urged Pakistan on numerous occasions to find a political settlement to the problem.
Pakistan, initially, did talk to the TTP at the request of the Islamic Emirate, but the talks soon collapsed and Pakistan saw an uptick in TTP attacks.
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G7 envoys urge national dialogue for lasting stability in Afghanistan
Special Representatives of the Group of Seven (G7), including the European Union, have emphasized the importance of a national dialogue for achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan.
Following a meeting on Afghanistan in Geneva, Switzerland, G7 special envoys issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of women's rights and urging the Islamic Emirate to fight terrorism.
The statement reads: "Achieving sustainable peace and stability requires credible governance that represents all segments of Afghan society."
The representatives also expressed concern over the IEA’s decision to ban girls from attending medical institutes, warning that it will have devastating consequences for the citizens, particularly mothers and their infants.
The statement described this ban as unacceptable and called on the Afghan authorities to lift it immediately.
Earlier, countries and international organizations had called for the removal of restrictions on the education and employment of women and girls, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue.
In response to these concerns, IEA has repeatedly stated that it will not allow interference in the internal affairs of the country.
The G7 special envoys also expressed their concern about the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the surrounding region, warning that terrorism remains a serious threat to Afghanistan's security. They confirmed the actions of the IEA against Daesh but stressed the need for more decisive measures.
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Afghanistan’s bright future lies in educating girls: Karzai
Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, says the demand of Afghan girls for the reopening of schools and universities is their fundamental right and adds that Afghanistan cannot have a bright future without ensuring access to education for girls.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Karzai said: "The demand and voice of our country’s girls for education and knowledge is a rightful one and crucial for a prosperous Afghanistan."
He further emphasized, "Empowering the youth—both girls and boys—is the only way to achieve self-reliance, break the cycle of poverty, and drive the development and prosperity of society."
Karzai underscored that education is vital for Afghanistan’s growth and development, expressing hope that the doors of schools and universities for girls will be reopened as soon as possible.
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IEA to set up special courts to address pensions
Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has issued a decree to establish special courts to address pensions, Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.
According to the decree, the courts must confirm and process pensions in accordance with Sharia and law.
Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concern over delay in payment, saying that their financial challenges are growing.
Earlier this year, IEA's supreme leader banned money being deducted from salaries of government employees for pensions.
He also requested information on the tenure of employees and the total amount deducted from salaries for pensions.
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