ISLAMABAD: United States (US) is building fresh consensus among key regional and international players against Afghan Taliban government after de facto rulers banned female education and resorted to other steps that Washington believes are contrary to Doha deal. As part of efforts to recalibrate Afghan strategy, US Special Representative for Afghanistan (SRA) Thomas West held series of meetings in Islamabad.

Official sources confirmed that US point-man for Afghanistan met his Pakistani counterpart Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, Foreign Secretary Asad Majid and other relevant officials. Visit came against backdrop of growing anxiety in Pakistan as well as other countries including US over Afghan Taliban’s policies that are seen as deviations from commitments that ultra-orthodox group made with international community.

Taliban’s move to ban female from attending universities drew strong reaction from US and other countries. Interim government took decision when world was expecting them to open schools for all girls. Ahead of three-country tour that will take him to Switzerland and Germany after Pakistan, US special envoy said in statement that purpose of visit was to consult with partners, Afghans and humanitarian relief organisations Thomas West, however, expressed concerns over recent Taliban moves. “Taliban’s recent edicts have presented international community with extraordinary challenges as we seek to support Afghan people and protect our interests,” his office said.

US envoy will work with counterparts to refine unified regional and international response that reflects a collective commitment to Afghan women and girls’ rights and access to vital aid, according to statement.

Visit of US special envoy coincided with deadly terrorist attack in Peshawar in which scores of people, mostly police officials, were martyred.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 31 2023

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