Afghan political leaders and civil society activists, gathered at a two-day conference in Islamabad, have urged that the dialogue be transformed into a constructive and continuous process to shape Afghanistan’s political future on the basis of unity, inclusivity, and regional cooperation.
The conference, titled “Toward Unity and Trust,” entered its second day on Tuesday, drawing prominent Afghan figures and activists who exchanged views on the country’s ongoing crisis. On the opening day, the participants presented a six-point framework aimed at promoting reconciliation among Afghan factions and developing a roadmap for the future.
The proposals included establishing a regional political platform to facilitate coordination among different Afghan groups, alongside the adoption of political, military, and civil mechanisms to address Afghanistan’s current challenges. The participants also emphasized the need to rebuild confidence with neighboring states, particularly Pakistan, through transparent engagement and acknowledgment of past mistakes.
Highlighting principles for Afghanistan’s long-term stability, the delegates stressed that any future political system must be inclusive, represent the will of the Afghan people, and be anchored in a widely accepted constitution. They further appealed to regional and international stakeholders to ensure protections under international and humanitarian law and to halt the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, especially those who sought safety in Pakistan after the 2021 Taliban takeover.
The statement reflected a collective call for greater responsibility from the international community to safeguard vulnerable Afghans and to support initiatives aimed at fostering political trust and cooperation within the country.
The two-day gathering is hosted jointly by the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) and the Women for Afghanistan Organization, with participants expressing hope that the dialogue would mark the beginning of a sustained process for Afghan unity and regional understanding.
