Introduction

The 5th Pak-Afghan Religious Stakeholders Dialogue, organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), brought together 25 participants, including religious scholars, academicians, and political analysts from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The conference also saw notable participation from the representatives of the British High Commission (BHC) Islamabad and the former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Dr. Qibla Ayaz.

Critical Analysis

Both countries face significant challenges related to the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) and other militant groups like ISKP (Islamic State-Khorasan Province). The discussions emphasized how these groups exploit the lack of clear counterterrorism measures and effective border control between the two nations. Pakistani participants voiced their concerns over Afghanistan’s role in containing the TTP, urging Afghan officials to take a proactive stance against the group’s acitivities. Afghan participants, while mostly acknowledging the concerns of Pakistan, expressed frustration with the widespread perception that Afghanistan is merely a sanctuary for militancy, emphasizing the constraints faced by a nation still seeking international legitimacy. They conveyed a desire to normalize ties globally while meeting security obligations, which they argued can only be achieved if they receive more structured support from neighboring countries like Pakistan and key international actors.