Taliban opposition meeting in Islamabad; Discussions on inclusive government and women’s rights.
Informed sources told some media outlets; A number of Afghan political and civil society activists have been invited by Pakistan to attend a meeting in Islamabad. The meeting is scheduled for August 25 and 26.
The list of invitees includes Fawzia Kofi, Narges Nahan, Masooma Khawari, Mirwais Nab, Nasir Andisheh, Shinki Karokhel, Qahreman Kakar, Sima Noori, Mujeebur Rahman Rahimi, Idris Zaman and a number of others. Sources say new people may be added to the list.
The main topics of the meeting were the formation of an inclusive government, women’s rights and education and employment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Former US envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has opposed the meeting and criticized Pakistan. The move drew a strong reaction from the Taliban’s opponents; They called Khalilzad a “Taliban lobbyist.”
In contrast, Fawzia Kofi described the meeting as a “positive step” and said interaction with countries in the region was essential to change the situation in Afghanistan. He stressed that Afghans should be allowed to determine the country’s future.
Similar meetings have been held in Turkey, the UK, the US and Germany.
