Durrani: Armed Groups Block Taliban Recognition

DID Press: Former Pakistan Special Representative for Afghanistan Asif Durrani has warned that the continued presence of armed groups operating from Afghan territory remains a major obstacle to international recognition of the Taliban administration and is prolonging Kabul’s political isolation.

In an analytical article published in Dawn, Durrani said the presence of groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS-K, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has contributed to Afghanistan’s continued isolation from the international community.

He argued that Pakistan has the right to demand that the Taliban prevent these groups from using Afghan territory against neighboring countries.

Durrani also blamed Taliban policies for worsening Afghanistan’s economic and social crisis, saying that despite the end of the civil war following the Taliban’s return to power, the country continues to face widespread poverty, the collapse of the banking system, suspension of international assistance, migration of skilled professionals, and economic stagnation.

He described restrictions on women’s employment and girls’ education as a serious blow to Afghanistan’s human capital.

According to Durrani, UN reports indicate that around 22 million Afghans will require humanitarian assistance in 2026, while millions continue to face severe food insecurity. He also identified international policies, including the suspension of development aid, sanctions, and the freezing of Afghan assets, as contributing factors to the economic crisis.

However, he stressed that the Taliban’s domestic policies remain a decisive factor in shaping Afghanistan’s current situation.