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Lack of consensus on Afghan agenda for Istanbul Summit emerges
Afghan politicians say Afghanistan as a whole, and government, has not yet settled on a single agenda to be presented at the Istanbul Summit scheduled for early April.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is working on a plan to reduce violence and end the war – a plan that will be presented to delegates at the summit.
However, the High Caouncil for National Reconciliation says it will vote on the proposed US government peace plan, which includes a transitional government.
The House of Representatives, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami party and a number of political figures will also present their ideas at the summit.
“We call on the Turkish Conference [delegates] to help bring an end to hostilities and stop the bloodshed as soon as possible [in order to pave the way] for successful negotiations for a political agreement; thus the region and the international community [show] support for a dignified and lasting peace,” said Afghan Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar.
Previously the High Council for National Reconciliation said the Turkish government had spoken to Afghan political figures and the Taliban about the talks. But the HCNR said the proposed US peace plan will be discussed.
“The US government’s plan which was shared with the Taliban, the High Council for National Reconciliation and the Presidential Palace will be discussed,” said Din Mohammad, HCNR deputy head.
While the Taliban welcomed the US proposal to hold the Istanbul Summit, the group said it has no specific plans to put to delegates.
“We accept any country that cooperates for the freedom and independence of Afghanistan, but we do not know when this meeting will take place and with what agenda,” said Mohammad Naeem, the Taliban’s spokesman.
However, differing opinions and a lack of consensus among Afghan officials and politicians have raised concerns in Kabul.
“The two sides that are participating at the Istanbul summit are the Taliban, who once flogged people, and the other side are politicians who have been busy exploiting [the people] for the past 20 years,” said Halima Sadaf Karimi, an MP.
While the exact date for the summit has not yet been announced, the HCNR said on Wednesday it will probably be held in the second week of April.
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IEA should respond to Pakistan’s security concerns with concrete actions: Andrabi
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi says both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, who visited Islamabad on Thursday, expressed their mutual commitment to a peaceful, stable Afghanistan with a sustainable future for the Afghan people.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Andrabi stated that both sides agreed that the Islamic Emirate must fulfill its obligations toward the international community and take concrete steps against terrorist groups to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
This comes while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly emphasized that no terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory and that it will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country.
The Islamic Emirate has also stated that Pakistan’s security concerns are an internal issue of that country, and Pakistan itself must take measures to prevent any security incidents.
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Malaysia’s PM calls peaceful solution to Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced deep concern over escalating tensions between the Afghanistan–Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar said he emphasized Malaysia’s concerns regarding regional stability and urged all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
His remarks follow media reports indicating heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a series of attacks in October.
During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on several aspects of Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations.
Anwar also briefed Sharif on the ongoing flood situation in Malaysia and similar challenges facing neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Thailand.
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Afghanistan makes major strides in cutting drug trafficking, says Putin
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Afghanistan has taken “active and effective” steps to curb drug trafficking, noting a significant drop in opium production across the country. He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with India Today during his India trip, highlighting what he described as “visible progress” in Afghanistan’s internal security efforts.
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders. He added that Afghanistan has also made important advancements in the fight against terrorism.
Responding to a question about why Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, the Russian president said Afghanistan had been engulfed in civil conflict for many years, but the current authorities now hold control over the country. “This is the reality, and it must be acknowledged,” Putin emphasized.
He further noted that maintaining contact with Afghanistan’s leadership is crucial for shaping events inside the country. “If you want influence, you must engage with the people in charge — and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Putin’s remarks come as several regional powers continue to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies toward Afghanistan, focusing on stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
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