Goa: Foreign ministers of Pakistan, India and Russia called for representative government in Afghanistan and protection of women’s rights, almost two years after Taliban swept to power in Kabul.

They were speaking at day-long meeting of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Indian coastal resort state of Goa, just ahead of meeting scheduled over weekend in Pakistan between foreign ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan.

“Unfolding situation in Afghanistan remains at centre of our attention. Our efforts should be directed towards welfare of Afghan people,” Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said.

“Our immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring truly inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving rights of women, children and minorities,” he said. No country has recognised Taliban who took over Afghanistan in August 2021, after 20-year insurgency against US-led forces with speed and ease that took world by surprise, following which President Ashraf Ghani fled country. Russia’s Sergei Lavrov said Moscow expected Taliban leadership to “Deliver on their promises to come up with an inclusive government”. “Assurances that were given in regards of human rights, security in territory of Afghanistan and eradication of terrorist threats, drug trafficking, we are keeping an eye on this,” Lavrov said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 06 2023

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