The Prime Minister of Afghanistan has issued a heartfelt call to Afghans who fled the country, urging them to return and rebuild their homeland. In a striking statement, he appealed to those who had sealed their doors and crossed borders during times of turmoil, saying the time has come to come back and serve the nation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that those who inflicted damage on Afghanistan’s Islamic system from abroad can still find a path back. He acknowledged that mistakes may have been made, but now is the time for healing and unity.
This message, however, highlights a deeper issue: the growing mistrust in the Taliban-led government. Since the group took over in August 2021, thousands of Afghans—especially professionals, intellectuals, and youth—have left the country, fearing repression, instability, and lack of opportunity. Despite repeated claims of stability and safety, the exodus has not slowed, and many continue to seek refuge in neighboring and Western countries.
Analysts suggest the Prime Minister’s appeal is a recognition that the Taliban government has lost significant trust among the Afghan diaspora and even within domestic circles. The absence of inclusive governance, restrictions on freedoms, and a stagnant economy have all contributed to the erosion of faith in the regime.
The Prime Minister’s invitation for return may be sincere, but until concrete reforms and international engagement emerge, regaining the trust of those who left will remain a daunting challenge for the Taliban leadership.
