ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday announced that he has initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
The announcement was made by Imran a day after his meetings with the leaders of Afghanistan’s neighbours, including China, Russia, Iran, and Tajikistan, on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Dushanbe city of Tajikistan.
“After meetings in Dushanbe with leaders of Afghanistan’s neighbours, and especially a lengthy discussion with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, I have initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for an inclusive Afghan govt to include Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks,” Khan said in a series of tweets.
After mtgs in Dushanbe with leaders of Afghanistan’s neighbours & especially a lengthy discussion with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, I have initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for an inclusive Afghan govt to include Tajiks, Hazaras & Uzbeks.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 18, 2021
“After 40 years of conflict, this inclusivity will ensure peace and a stable Afghanistan, which is in the interest not only of Afghanistan but the region as well.”
No further details of the dialogue were given.
Islamabad has been stressing the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over the country and announced an interim government.
Imran had reiterated the same during his address at the summit on Friday. “The Taliban must fulfil the pledges made, above all for an inclusive political structure where all ethnic groups are represented. This is vital for Afghanistan’s stability,” he had said, adding that it was also important to ensure respect for the rights of all Afghans while making certain that the country will never again be made a safe haven for terrorists.
Other leaders at the conference had shared similar views, pointing out that Afghanistan’s new interim cabinet almost exclusively comprised ethnic Pashtuns, the group’s main support base.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had said it is necessary to “encourage Afghanistan to put in place a broad-based and inclusive political framework” and to “resolutely fight all forms of terrorism” and live in peace with its neighbours.
He was of the opinion that Afghanistan should be guided to be more open and inclusive, and pursue moderate domestic and foreign policies.
The Taliban had assigned some important posts to non-Pashtuns in their interim government announced early this month, particularly the coveted seat of army chief to Qari Fasihuddin, a Tajik.
However, the structure mainly comprises Pashtuns, who form less than half of Afghanistan’s population, and there is no participation of women yet in the interim setup.
