Former Pakistani Envoy Says Afghan Stability Requires Inclusive Governance

Former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan Asif Durrani has stated that the country’s long-term stability depends on the establishment of an inclusive, Afghan-led government. In recent remarks, Durrani argued that external calls for regime change distract from addressing Afghanistan’s core governance and legitimacy challenges.

Durrani criticized the Taliban for rejecting political pluralism and concentrating authority between competing factions in Kabul and Kandahar. He warned that an exclusionary approach to governance remains fragile and risks eventual collapse, alongside prolonged international isolation. According to Durrani, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without broad-based representation that reflects the country’s diverse political landscape.

The former envoy’s comments come amid heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Security concerns have escalated in recent months, marked by recurring clashes and cross-border militant activity. Durrani noted that regional stability is closely tied to Afghanistan’s internal political arrangements, emphasizing that unresolved governance issues could further complicate diplomatic and security relations between the two neighbors.

Durrani, who previously served as Pakistan’s top diplomat in Kabul, has long been involved in regional diplomatic efforts. His latest statements underscore ongoing debates regarding the future structure of Afghanistan’s leadership and the conditions necessary for lasting peace. He maintained that any viable political framework must be driven by Afghans themselves, rather than imposed or influenced by external actors seeking rapid regime change.