Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, has called for the lifting of all restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls and the establishment of an inclusive government representing all ethnic groups in Afghanistan at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement posted on X early Wednesday, May 1, that Pakistan is concerned about the activities of more than 20 terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
According to the statement, Dar described the Taliban as having “misplaced priorities and flawed ideologies” that have hindered improvements in the lives of the Afghan people.
He called on the OIC Contact Group to urge the Taliban to end support for terrorist groups, respect their international obligations, and prevent the trafficking of drugs and weapons.
Dar said: “They should lift all restrictions imposed on women and girls that are contrary to Islamic principles and the norms of Muslim societies, and review policies that deprive ordinary Afghans of their fundamental freedoms.”
This comes as Pakistan was widely regarded as the Taliban’s main supporter during the two decades when the group fought NATO forces and the Afghan republican government.
However, the Taliban has consistently rejected Pakistan’s allegations that terrorist attacks in Pakistan are planned and carried out from Afghan territory.
