RASC News Agency: Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former envoy on Afghanistani affairs, in his first interview since being removed from office, has warned that Afghanistan is becoming a festering wound in the region. In an interview with “Ambassadors’ Lounge*/”, Durrani referred to the ongoing border skirmishes between the Taliban and Pakistan, stating that the Taliban still do not fully comprehend the principles of governance. He added, “The Taliban must realize that the circumstances have changed. They are no longer a militia on the run; they now bear the responsibility of governing an entire nation.”
Durrani emphasized that due to global crises like the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict, Afghanistan has largely disappeared from international attention. He cautioned that this isolation could leave Afghanistan as an enduring source of instability in the region. Speaking on the threat of terrorism from groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan, both active in Afghanistan, Durrani remarked, “Others in the region may remain passive observers, but we are facing the flames directly.” He underscored that while for many this may seem like a human rights concern, Pakistan grapples with the daily menace of terrorism.
He also expressed deep concerns over the Taliban’s mode of governance, questioning, “How do you plan to govern? If you claim to rule in accordance with the Qur’an, that is all well and good, but how will you implement it? How do you intend to engage with the populace?” Durrani asserted that the Taliban’s governance has a stronger tribal flavor than an Islamic one. Addressing issues like women’s rights, education, and employment, he stated, “Afghanistan is part of the international community and cannot evade its international obligations simply by invoking Islam.” He argued that the Taliban’s actions, under the guise of religion, present a distorted image of Islam to the world.
Durrani outright rejected any notion of recognizing the Taliban, stating, “We, along with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, recognized the Taliban in the past, but this did nothing to prevent the 9/11 attacks.” He stressed that those advocating for the recognition of the Taliban will face serious difficulties, pointing out that “the global community still refuses to recognize the Taliban, and Pakistan would be isolating itself further by legitimizing such a regime.” Some analysts have speculated that Durrani’s dismissal from his post was due to dissatisfaction within the Pakistani military regarding his handling of Afghanistan affairs.
