At the Doha Forum on Saturday, Afghan officials underscored the critical need for renewed dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, warning that recent political tensions risk undermining the region’s broader connectivity and integration goals.

Abdul Hai Qanit, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told participants that constructive engagement between Kabul and Islamabad is essential for long-term stability and economic cooperation.

“We can resolve all issues through dialogue,” Qanit said. “But we must not reach a point of no return, as there are significant interests tied to regional integration.”

He noted that Afghanistan has a strong interest in maintaining positive relations with Pakistan, but cautioned that recent developments are jeopardizing shared progress.

“Trade routes are being weaponized, geography is being politicized, and corridors are being used as leverage in political disputes,” he said. “This threatens the very concept of regional integration.”

Qanit urged both countries to take a long-term view. “It is essential for Pakistan and Afghanistan to sit together and resolve these problems. If these crises continue, confidence in regional connectivity will erode.”

Despite current tensions, he expressed optimism that the situation is temporary. “I believe this is a short-term crisis. The Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship will return to a positive track. Afghanistan can advance ongoing projects and serve not as a threat, but as a hub linking South Asia and Central Asia.”

Echoing this focus on cooperation, Dr. Eldor Aripov, Director of Uzbekistan’s Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, emphasized that economic engagement remains the most effective way to support Afghanistan’s development.

“Different approaches are needed,” he said. “Our position is clear: economic cooperation is the best tool to help Afghanistan move forward.”

As discussions at the Doha Forum continue, regional leaders are exploring pathways to strengthen cross-border economic projects and expand connectivity across South and Central Asia.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated that “the majority of those killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were innocent civilians.”

Speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Saturday during the Newsmaker Interview at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa said: “In every war in the region—whether in Iraq or Afghanistan—we saw that most of the casualties were civilians, yet many of them were labeled as terrorists. The real criminals are those who call others terrorists.”

He also commented on the situation in Syria, asserting that the Assad regime has killed more than one million people over the past 14 years and that nearly 250,000 individuals remain missing. According to al-Sharaa, the prolonged conflict has displaced more than 14 million Syrians.

He added that the difficult experiences of regional wars over the past 25 years have led people to “better understand the true meaning of the word ‘terrorist’ and who truly deserves such a label.”

Western forces fought in Afghanistan for two decades under the banner of counter-terrorism, a period during which tens of thousands of civilians were killed.

Meanwhile, four years after the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, the international community continues to express concern about potential terrorist threats from Afghan territory, while the Islamic Emirate maintains that Afghan soil will not be used to threaten any country.

The European Union has issued a renewed alert that Afghan women are becoming increasingly vulnerable amid migration, internal displacement, and ongoing return efforts, calling for swift measures to uphold their rights and dignity.

In a statement released during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the EU emphasized that combating violence against women and ensuring their safety in times of crisis remains a core priority.

The EU mission in Afghanistan noted that women—particularly those living in remote or conflict-affected regions—face elevated threats of exploitation, abuse, and limited access to essential services.

“Ending violence, preserving dignity, and supporting women in times of crisis are central to our efforts. We prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable women in all our humanitarian and protection programs,” the statement said.

The EU reiterated its commitment to increasing support for Afghan women in dire circumstances, including improved access to protection services, legal aid, and emergency assistance.

As humanitarian needs continue to grow nationwide, the EU urged all parties to ensure Afghan women receive timely support and can live free from violence and discrimination.