Pakistan NSA denounces world’s ‘wait and watch’ policy on Taliban ruled Afghanistan

By Team Newsable | First Published Sep 16, 2021, 5:24 PM IST

Speaking at a media conference, Yusuf said, “Wait and see means collapse, adding that a similar mistake was made in the 1990s.

Islamabad: National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf on Wednesday criticized the world’s ‘wait and watch’ policy on recognising Afghanistan’s Taliban regime as a flawed strategy and could result in the economic collapse of the conflict-torn country.

Speaking at a media conference, Yusuf said, “Wait and see means collapse, adding that a similar mistake was made in the 1990s.

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The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in mid-August, ousting the previous elected leadership which was backed by the West. The interim Cabinet announced by the Taliban consists of high-profile members of the insurgent group, PTI reported.

Several world leaders have announced they would see whether the Taliban fulfils its promises to the international community on issues like an inclusive Afghan government and human rights before giving their regime diplomatic recognition.

He also recalled that the Western leaders had acknowledged the mistake and pledged not to repeat it.

Afghanistan’s economy, which has remained heavily dependent on foreign assistance, has been teetering on the edge of collapse because most of the donors have blocked the new regime’s access to funds. The US has frozen Afghan assets worth $9 billion that are held in its banks.

Also read: Taliban should be given incentives on women’s rights, inclusive govt: Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Yusuf said the world in its own interest should talk directly to the Taliban on their concerns, including counterterrorism, human rights, inclusive government, or other issues.

“If the world is interested in this conversation, it needs to happen directly with the new government. For influencing and moulding governance in the way the world wants, it should have a conversation with them. Without engagement that would not be possible,” he said as quoted by PTI.

He warned that Afghanistan could become a terrorist safe haven again as a consequence of abandoning it, the report said.

“If abandonment happens there would be a security vacuum (in Afghanistan). You already know ISIS (the militant Islamic State group) is already present there, Pakistani Taliban are there, Al Qaeda is there. Why do we risk a security vacuum?” he said as quoted by PTI.

Pakistan has been the Taliban regime’s most ardent supporter in the current crisis. It not only shipped relief goods to Afghanistan, but has also been forcefully advocating international recognition for Taliban.

The security adviser, however, said Pakistan neither had enough resources to meet Taliban government’s needs nor could it grant it legitimacy by itself. “It is for the West to do so,” he further said.

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