Former Pakistani Envoy: Afghanistan Still Faces Crisis Under Taliban Rule

DID Press: Former Pakistani special envoy for Afghanistan Asif Durrani said Afghanistan has not achieved stability or prosperity under Taliban rule, arguing that the country continues to face deep economic, social and political challenges.

Durrani said Afghanistan has not become the “paradise” some had expected following the Taliban’s return to power, adding that millions of Afghans continue to endure severe economic hardship while broad restrictions—particularly on civil liberties—remain in place.

The former envoy also criticized the performance of Afghanistan’s former republic, saying that despite substantial international support, it failed to establish lasting political stability and durable security.

According to Durrani, Afghanistan’s current crisis is the result of a combination of domestic and external factors, including the roles played by political elites, armed groups and foreign actors.

He further argued that attributing all of Afghanistan’s problems solely to Pakistan presents an incomplete picture, stressing that the country’s challenges have multiple underlying causes.

Durrani’s remarks come as Pakistan continues to face longstanding accusations of supporting the Taliban and influencing developments in Afghanistan—allegations that Islamabad has consistently denied.