It is true that the Taliban are trying to address uphill challenges with scanty resources and lack of institutions, but ameliorating them in an inclusive manner – considering different perspectives and opinions – would be much better for the future of Afghanistan. Pakistan will continue to extend its support to Afghanistan especially for health cooperation. In this regard, Pakistan has already constructed three big hospitals in Afghanistan – receiving overwhelming response; with efforts already being made to ensure at least next 12 months of salaries and medicines needed to run them smoothly. We are also considering to send some NGOs to Afghanistan as part of our continued humanitarian assistance.
These remarks were made by Ambassador Mohammed Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan during the Pak-Afghan Religious Scholars Conference organized by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
Pakistani and visiting Afghan religious scholars agreed on prioritizing issues of girls’ education and governance in Afghanistan. They also recommended that the Taliban should form a committee of religious experts, academicians, jurists, and technocrats to formulate an all-encompassing system of governance that represents the people of Afghanistan and is accepted by the international community as well.
Other joint recommendations presented include active role of ulema from both countries to improve cooperation on the issues of mutual concern; addressing health and medical issues where Pakistani government should conduct trainings for the Afghan doctors and help the Afghan government in increasing the capacity of hospitals so the patients do not have to come all the way to Pakistan for intensive treatments; free medical camps arranged from Pakistan to help the patients from Afghanistan as primary and short-term medical assistance; visa categories should be made more specific and visas should be issued as per the urgency of the need, keeping patients as a priority.
Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology said that if elections could not be held timely, then the Taliban should at least call a Jirga to discuss the urgent and serious matters.
During the two-day conference, religious scholars from both countries delved into meaningful discussions on overall situation in Afghanistan, Islamic system of governance in Afghanistan under the Taliban, peace and stability in the region, and socio-political inclusion and ways to strengthen Pak-Afghan relations through trade and educational exchange.
The conference was held as part of Beyond Boundaries, a CRSS’s initiative that aims to improve cooperation in the mutually concerning areas of relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan and strengthen overall relationship
