The SAARC Chamber has made a fervent plea to the Afghan Taliban, urging them to honor the commitments they made in Doha. The commitments, aimed at fostering peace in the region, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan, were deemed vital by trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik. Speaking with a delegation of traders, led by Muslim Khan Buneri, Malik emphasized the significance of stability and cooperation among Muslim nations.
The Doha agreement, signed back in February 2020 between the United States and the Taliban, laid out various obligations for both parties. Central to this agreement was the Taliban’s pledge to prevent Afghan soil from being used as a launchpad for threats against neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan.
Malik underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering economic growth, facilitating trade, and enhancing the overall well-being of people in Afghanistan and Pakistan alike.
By reminding the Afghan Taliban of their commitments, Malik stressed the need for a constructive role in upholding peace and security. However, he pointed out that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Taliban to follow through on their promises and create an environment conducive to peace and cooperation with their neighbors, including Pakistan.
Malik lamented the lack of concrete action from Afghan authorities despite Pakistan’s repeated efforts to address cross-border terrorism. He urged the top leadership of the Afghan Taliban to take immediate and stringent measures to prevent the TTP from launching attacks and dismantle their bases. Such actions, he emphasized, are crucial for nurturing good brotherly relations between the two nations.
The call from the SAARC Chamber underscores the pressing need for the Afghan Taliban to fulfill their commitments made in Doha for the sake of regional peace and stability. Failure to honor these obligations could not only jeopardize relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan but also hinder broader efforts towards economic growth and cooperation in the region. Additionally, the plea highlights the urgency of addressing cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the importance of swift and decisive action to prevent further destabilization.
