Ishaq Dar Calls for Sustained OIC Engagement on Afghanistan

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for sustained attention to Afghanistan, arguing that developments in the neighbouring country have direct consequences for regional peace, security and stability.

Dar addressed a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Contact Group on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He said the OIC could encourage Afghanistan towards greater regional integration while helping address security and humanitarian challenges.

Pakistan recalls its response after 2021

Dar referred to the withdrawal of US forces and the Taliban's return to power in Kabul in August 2021. He said Pakistan opened its doors to Afghans and hosted an OIC session later that year to mobilise support from Muslim countries and the wider international community for humanitarian needs.

He said expectations that the Taliban would meet Afghanistan's international obligations, prevent terrorism and work towards an inclusive political environment had not been fully realised. Meaningful engagement with the international community, he argued, requires concrete steps by the Afghan authorities.

Security concerns remain central

The foreign minister highlighted Pakistan's concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He called for concrete and verifiable measures to prevent Afghan soil from being used against neighbouring countries.

Dar said Pakistan remained concerned about the presence of numerous militant groups in Afghanistan and the threat they pose to regional and international security. He referred to the sacrifices made by Pakistan's security forces and law-enforcement agencies and to attacks linked by Islamabad to groups operating across the border.

He also mentioned the recent attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which caused a significant loss of life and led to a major security operation.

Appeal for collective OIC influence

Dar urged the OIC to use its collective influence to encourage the Taliban administration to address terrorism comprehensively, meet international commitments and prevent Afghan territory from being used for activities threatening neighbouring states.

He also called for greater regional cooperation against illegal trafficking and cross-border security threats. The OIC, he said, can serve as a collective voice for Muslim countries and help create greater understanding around difficult regional issues.

Women, girls and political inclusion

The foreign minister urged the Afghan authorities to reconsider policies affecting the rights and freedoms of women and girls. He called for a more inclusive political process and greater respect for fundamental freedoms.

Dar also emphasised the return and reintegration of Afghan refugees and returnees. He said the international community should share responsibility for supporting Afghanistan's humanitarian and development requirements rather than leaving neighbouring countries to manage the burden alone.

Humanitarian support and development

The deputy prime minister called for adequate international assistance to meet humanitarian needs and support socioeconomic development. In his assessment, economic stability and stronger regional connectivity will be difficult to achieve without sustained international engagement.

He acknowledged mediation by Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia aimed at encouraging dialogue and a peaceful approach to outstanding disputes. Continued contact among Afghanistan, its neighbours, the OIC and the broader international community remains necessary, he said.

Pakistan's position

"No country desires normalcy and stability in Afghanistan more than Pakistan, and no country has suffered from the consequences of instability and insecurity in Afghanistan more than Pakistan," Dar told the meeting.

He said progress would require mutual respect, sincerity and political will, particularly from the Afghan authorities. Pakistan has repeatedly raised militant activity at international forums and sought verifiable action against groups accused of attacks inside the country.

Dar's remarks underline Islamabad's effort to keep Afghanistan on the diplomatic agenda. Pakistan is seeking wider cooperation on counterterrorism, border management, humanitarian assistance and regional connectivity while asking the OIC to play a more active role in engagement with Kabul.