ISLAMABAD: Afghan political leaders and women activists gathered in Islamabad on Monday for a two-day dialogue aimed at shaping a collective vision for a peaceful future for Afghanistan. The meeting, which marks the first gathering of political opponents to the Taliban since their takeover in 2021, focuses on promoting inclusive discussions between Afghan leaders and activists from various sectors of society.
Organized by Women for Afghanistan (WFA) and the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University, the dialogue seeks to develop shared principles for Afghanistan’s stability, inclusivity, and peaceful settlement. The gathering, though initially criticized by figures like former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, is framed as a platform for constructive dialogue rather than opposition to the Taliban government.
The first day of the closed-door meeting focused on open engagement among Afghan leaders, discussing principles for stability, the rule of law, and reaffirming support for women’s rights. Among the 37 invited guests were former Afghan lawmakers, ministers, and women’s rights activists. Despite some visa-related absences, the dialogue continued its goal of fostering mutual understanding and regional cooperation.
On September 30, a joint Pak-Afghan session will aim to build trust and advance people-centric approaches to address regional challenges. The organizers emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Afghan and Pakistani leaders to achieve sustainable development and peace, highlighting the role of women’s participation in governance.
The meeting builds on recent efforts to improve Afghan-Pakistani relations, including agreements to boost regional connectivity, such as the Pakistan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan railway project. The dialogue also focuses on addressing cross-border security concerns, particularly the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its impact on bilateral ties.
