ISLAMABAD: A high-ranking Pakistani diplomat responsible for Afghan affairs has raised serious concerns, warning that Afghanistan could once again become the origin of a 9/11-style terrorist attack. According to him, the world seems to have all but forgotten the war-ravaged country.

"Afghanistan has largely been overlooked. This reality was clearly emphasized during the Doha 3 session in June. The humanitarian aid currently being provided is far from adequate. In fact, only one-third of last year's commitments were fulfilled," remarked Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, during a talk at the Ambassadors' Lounge.

Durrani pointed out that global attention has shifted due to the Ukraine war and the Palestinian crisis. "Afghanistan has disappeared from the headlines. It’s not even mentioned in the inner pages of the news anymore," he stated.

Durrani expressed grave concern that this neglect could return Afghanistan to the conditions that led to the tragic 9/11 attacks. He also highlighted the severe poverty in Afghanistan, where 97% of the population lives below the poverty line. "Of that, 52% rely on international humanitarian aid for survival," he added.

"If the economic situation continues to worsen, we must be concerned that Afghan citizens will begin fleeing the country, with Pakistan being their preferred destination. This is something that requires both sensitivity and international responsibility," Durrani warned.

The special envoy further stressed the security threat posed by various terrorist groups, particularly Daesh Khorasan (ISKP). He noted that ISKP is gaining influence in Afghanistan, which should alarm not only the region but the entire international community. "Their actions in Iran, Moscow, and even within Pakistan should be a cause for concern globally. What happens here could easily happen elsewhere," he cautioned.

As the Afghan Taliban recently marked their third year in power, Durrani shared his thoughts on their rule and the potential for international recognition. "We cannot ignore the immense challenges they face. They lack recognition from any country, came to power with empty coffers, and were unprepared for the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government," Durrani explained.

Despite these difficulties, Durrani acknowledged some improvements. "Over the past three years, Afghanistan's security situation has improved, and corruption has decreased, which has been noted by international observers," he said.

However, the Taliban’s strict enforcement of rules under the guise of Islamic principles, particularly their ban on girls' education, has hindered their path to international legitimacy. Durrani criticized their actions, stating, "These policies might suit their own context, but they cannot be considered in line with Islamic teachings."

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has also deteriorated under Taliban rule, largely due to the Taliban's refusal to address the threat posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). "While peace in Afghanistan is welcome for Pakistan, it has come at a cost. TTP attacks in Pakistan have increased by 70% since the Taliban came to power," Durrani said.

Despite this, Durrani remains optimistic that diplomacy will prevail, asserting that Pakistan is committed to resolving the TTP issue, even if the Taliban are reluctant to act against terrorist sanctuaries.

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