DID Press: Fawzia Koofi, a former Afghanistani lawmaker during the republic era, is expected to meet with Pakistani officials in Islamabad on August 25 or 26, alongside a delegation of politicians, civil society activists, and women’s rights advocates.
Sources reported on Sunday, August 17, that the invitees include former economy minister Mustafa Mastoor, ex-diplomat Nasir Ahmad Andisha, and Abdullah Qarluq, former governor of nortgern Takhar province.
Initial reports suggested that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Hizb-e-Islami, would also attend.
However, Hekmatyar issued a statement denying this, saying: “I have neither been invited nor do I intend to participate in any meetings abroad. I have no plans to travel to Pakistan. The report by Afghanistan International is not accurate.”
While the official agenda of the gathering has not been released, the lineup of participants indicates that discussions are likely to focus on engagement with factions opposed to the Taliban’s interim administration.
Analysts say the meeting may mark a shift in Pakistan’s outreach, signaling both political pressure on the Taliban and Islamabad’s exploration of alternative options for Afghanistan’s political future.
The timing is especially notable following the recent visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to the United States, during which counterterrorism agreements were signed. Observers view the Islamabad meeting as a significant indicator of a possible recalibration in Pakistan’s foreign policy toward the Taliban authorities