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Afghan envoy in Islamabad marks four years since IEA’s return to power
Speaking to guests, Shakeeb recalled August 15, 2021, when IEA forces entered Kabul and ended what he described as “the third foreign occupation.”
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, marked the fourth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s (IEA) return to power on Friday with a keynote address at an Independence Day ceremony in Islamabad, calling the day “a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of Afghans.”
Speaking to diplomats, political leaders, academics, businessmen, and other guests, Shakeeb recalled August 15, 2021, when IEA forces entered Kabul and ended what he described as “the third foreign occupation.”
“Four years ago, on this very day, with the help of Almighty Allah, under the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, the Afghan people regained their freedom for the third time and took back control of their homeland,” Shakeeb said.
He said the day was not only a turning point for Afghanistan but also the beginning of a new approach to international relations.
“When our leadership took control of Kabul, they sent a clear message: with the end of war and occupation, the chapter of hostility has closed, and now we must open a new page in our relations. This new page should be based on mutual respect, fairness, and dignity,” he said.
Outlining the IEA government’s foreign policy, Shakeeb emphasized what he called a shift toward stability and cooperation. “Afghanistan’s foreign policy is based on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, regional stability, and global partnership,” he said.
“Our land is a center for cooperation, trade, and civilizational ties—not a ground for negative competition or hostility.”
Shakeeb highlighted what he described as achievements over the past four years, including restored nationwide security, a functioning governance structure, and the creation of favorable conditions for trade, investment, and tourism.
Addressing the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the ambassador praised their role in fostering cultural and economic ties while urging host countries to ensure dignified and voluntary repatriation.
“Afghan refugees have served as ambassadors of our culture and values, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy. Over the past four years, four million refugees have returned from Pakistan and Iran. The Islamic Emirate has provided services to them and will continue to do so. But we call on host nations to ensure their return is carried out with dignity and respect,” he said.
The event brought together Pakistani officials, foreign diplomats, tribal elders, scholars, and members of the Afghan community. Concluding his remarks, Shakeeb thanked attendees for joining in what he called “a glorious day for Afghans.”
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has urged the countries in the region and around the world to soften and expand their economic relations with the Islamic Emirate instead of imposing sanctions and undue pressure.
In a statement issued by the deputy PMs office, Baradar made these remarks on Saturday during a speech at the inauguration ceremony of a commercial market in Balkh province.
Baradar added that a prosperous and strong Afghanistan is not to the detriment of other countries in the region; rather, it contributes to the welfare and strengthening of other nations.
He said: “The Islamic Emirate believes in comprehensive economic and political authenticity in the field of regional and international cooperation, provided that there is mutual respect for major values and fundamental principles.”
He stated that IEA’s engagement with the private sector in large-scale and long-term projects—based on public-private partnerships or other types of contracts—conveys a clear message that the environment for domestic and foreign investment in Afghanistan is favorable, and that anyone can take advantage of this opportunity.
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Karzai urges reopening of girls’ schools and universities for Afghanistan’s bright future
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai says knowledge and education are the primary pillars of progress and dignity in any society.
In a post marking the end of the academic year and the preparation of 12th-grade graduates for the Kankor (university entrance) exam, Karzai said on Saturday that Afghanistan needs hundreds of thousands of female and male doctors, engineers, economists, technology specialists, and experts in other fields to become self-reliant.
He called on all students to make greater efforts and to reach higher levels in scientific and social sciences.
He once again emphasized: “I hope that, for a bright future for Afghanistan, girls’ schools and universities should be reopened so that our daughters can stand on their own feet and become worthy of serving the country.”
Pakistan on Friday summoned Afghan Deputy Head of Mission in Islamabad to convey “strong demarche” over a deadly attack on a military camp in North Waziristan District that killed four Pakistani soldiers.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack was carried out by a faction of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The statement said that Pakistan conveyed “grave concern over the continued support and facilitation” provided by the Islamic Emirate to TTP.
Pakistan has demanded “a full investigation and decisive action against the perpetrators and facilitators of the terrorist attacks launched against Pakistan from Afghan soil.”
It urged the Islamic Emirate “to take immediate, concrete and verifiable measures against all terror groups operating from its territory, including their leadership, and deny the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan.
According to the statement, the Islamic Emirate has been “categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens, and will take all necessary measures to respond to terrorism originating from Afghan soil.”
Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that attacks in the country are originated from Afghan soil, a charge the Islamic Emirate denies.
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