Dar Urges Afghan Action at OIC
Dar Urges Afghan Action Against Terrorism at OIC Contact Group Meeting
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New York – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking at the inaugural session of the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan, called on the Afghan interim authorities to take firm and verifiable steps to ensure their soil is not used for terrorism.
Dar highlighted that groups such as the TTP, BLA, Majeed Brigade, and ETIM were actively collaborating with Al-Qaeda and posing a serious threat to regional and global peace. He reminded participants that Pakistan has paid a heavy price in this fight, with 12 soldiers martyred earlier this month while battling TTP infiltrators from Afghanistan.
He also expressed concern over the use of digital platforms and social media by terrorist outfits for propaganda and incitement to violence, warning that such activities “cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”
The foreign minister proposed creating a joint working group of experts from OIC member states to draft a roadmap of reciprocal steps aimed at addressing Afghanistan’s challenges.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Dar stressed that progress requires “mutual respect, sincerity, and political will” from the Taliban authorities. “No country wants to see peace return to Afghanistan more than Pakistan, as our destinies are deeply intertwined,” he noted.
Dar observed that Afghanistan now finds itself at a “critical juncture” after decades of conflict. Offering condolences over last month’s devastating earthquake in the country, he said Pakistan had sent 105 tons of aid in solidarity.
However, he warned that Afghanistan continues to face serious challenges, including sanctions, terrorism, narcotics, a broken banking system, unemployment, poverty, human rights concerns, and an unrecognized government.
Outlining a six-point approach, Dar said the OIC Contact Group must:
Advocate for donor funding to meet Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs.
Support efforts to stabilize the Afghan economy and banking system to revive trade and connectivity projects.
Encourage dialogue with the Taliban to ensure compliance with international obligations.
Back UN-led initiatives to provide alternative livelihoods for former poppy farmers.
Urge the Taliban to lift restrictions on women and girls, which he said are “unjustified and contrary to Islamic principles.”
Press for conditions that enable the safe return and integration of Afghan refugees.
Dar concluded by stressing that Afghanistan cannot remain isolated indefinitely, urging the OIC and the international community to play a proactive role in bringing the country back into the global fold.
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