‘Understanding and collaborative efforts must for stable Pak-Afghan relations’

Islamabad: Pakistan-Afghanistan Religious Scholars Conference has developed a consensus on the need for sustained efforts to address humanitarian crises, promote dialogue, and build trust between two sides.

The conference was organised here by Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with its Afghan partner Organisation for Economic Studies and Peace (OESP), as part of their initiative Beyond Boundaries. Dr Qibla Ayaz, Chairperson, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), emphasised the importance of religious diplomacy and the role of scholars in addressing bilateral issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Based on his experiences of participation in various delegations and dialogues aimed at promoting girls' education, both domestically and in Afghanistan, he stressed the need to engage with key stakeholders, including religious leaders who possess the influence and understanding to contribute meaningfully to resolving bilateral issues.

Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Khateeb, noted that the way forward for the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan lies in both sides proactively addressing mutual concerns and taking conscious efforts to promote cordial ties between them at different levels of the relationship, including people-to-people contacts, economy and politics.

He stressed the importance of addressing the insecurity and humanitarian crises plaguing the region, particularly the desire among the young members of the population to leave due to economic hardships. Additionally, he advocated for empowering women and promoting education, citing examples of Muslim-majority countries where progress was achieved through a balance of religious and formal education.

Abdul Hakim Mujahid, former Afghan Diplomat, shed light on Afghanistan's dire humanitarian situation, calling for the lifting of sanctions to tackle the crisis and economic challenges effectively. He suggested integrating the Afghan Taliban into the global fabric to effectively combat terrorism and ensure stability. Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, Vice Chancellor, Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqani, Akora Khattak, advocated inclusive policies that promote education and empower women, recognising crucial role of education in fostering socioeconomic stability and peace.

Mufti Jamaluddin, former JUI MNA emphasised that the cultural and religious similarities between Pakistan and Afghanistan can bind the two nations into a relationship characterised by cooperation, trust, and understanding.