Pakistan to Host Afghan Dialogue for Peace and Stability

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Pakistan is preparing to host a two-day dialogue bringing together Afghan exiles, political figures, and activists opposed to the Taliban. The event is scheduled for August 25–26 and is being organized by SASSI University, an Islamabad-based academic institution, in collaboration with civil society groups.

According to organizers, the initiative is titled “Pak-Afghan Dialogue: Towards Unity and Trust.” It is designed as an academic and non-political forum that aims to provide a platform for confidence-building, policy discussion, and regional cooperation. The event is expected to feature 25 to 30 participants, including members of Afghan political parties, civil society activists, women’s rights advocates, and representatives of protest movements. Senior Pakistani officials have also been invited to attend.

The announcement has drawn international attention, particularly from Zalmay Khalilzad, former United States envoy for Afghan peace. In a post on X, he sharply criticized Pakistan’s role in hosting the meeting, calling it “unwise and provocative.” Khalilzad argued that Islamabad would not tolerate a similar event if the Taliban were to host an anti-Pakistan gathering, labeling the initiative “childish, irresponsible, and regrettable.”

Despite Khalilzad’s criticism, organizers have stressed that the forum does not support any partisan agenda or violent overthrow of the Taliban government. Instead, they describe it as an opportunity for open dialogue that can encourage communication between Afghan exiles and Pakistani stakeholders.

The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan confirmed to Amu TV that it had received an invitation to attend but has chosen not to participate. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has not issued a formal comment on the planned meeting, which underscores its unofficial character.

The timing of the dialogue is notable, coming shortly after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi postponed a scheduled visit to Pakistan. This has added to speculation over the state of relations between Islamabad and Kabul, which remain tense due to cross-border security concerns and disagreements over militant activity in the region.

Pakistani sources emphasize that the gathering is meant to be an academic initiative rather than a government-sponsored summit. They say its primary purpose is to build trust among participants and to provide space for constructive discussion on peace, security, and regional cooperation.

By bringing together Afghan voices in exile with Pakistani policymakers and civil society, the forum aims to explore areas of common interest while offering a channel for dialogue at a time of heightened regional uncertainty.