Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar calls for Afghanistan to move away from militant mindset.
- Pakistan has hosted four million Afghan refugees over four decades.
- Peace could lead to greater trade and regional connectivity, says Tarar.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has called on the Afghan interim government to move away from a 'militant mindset' and adopt a statesman approach for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking at an International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) gathering, Tarar emphasized the need for Afghanistan to change its mindset, stating, 'The problem is that the mindset needs to be changed.'
Tarar highlighted Pakistan's longstanding relationship with Afghanistan, noting that the country has hosted around four million Afghan refugees over more than four decades.
Pakistan has made several attempts to resolve outstanding issues through negotiations, with Pakistani delegations traveling to Afghanistan and talks being held in third countries, including recent meetings in Istanbul and Doha.
The minister identified militancy and the presence of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan as main obstacles to peace, while the Afghan Taliban authorities have rejected such allegations.
Recent tensions between the two countries have included cross-border attacks and Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan, reflecting ongoing security concerns.
Tarar argued that peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan could open opportunities for greater trade and regional connectivity, particularly by linking Central Asian states with Pakistani ports and warm-water routes through Afghanistan.
He also highlighted Afghanistan's significant economic potential and the potential for regional trade and investment to expand if peace and stability are established.
The minister raised concerns over restrictions affecting women's participation in the workforce and access to basic rights, including education, assembly, and association, in Afghanistan.
Tarar stated, 'There is a disconnect between the Afghan interim government and sections of the Afghan population,' adding that ordinary Afghans want peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
He concluded, 'Only peace can lead to prosperity,' and emphasized that Afghanistan's stability would benefit the wider region.
Tarar also warned that Pakistan's desire for peace should not be misconstrued as weakness, saying, 'Pakistan's desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its weakness.'
The problem is that the mindset needs to be changed.
Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting
Pakistan's desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its weakness.
Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting
