Afghan political leaders, women activists discuss regional peace, stability at Islamabad moot

Afghan political leaders, women activists discuss regional peace, stability at Islamabad moot

Afghan political leaders and women activists met in Islamabad for a two-day dialogue that was all about finding some common ground on peace and stability in the region. It was hosted by Women for Afghanistan and the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute. What made it stand out is that this was one of the first big meetings of Afghan political opposition figures since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The organisers were careful to say this wasn’t about undermining the Taliban, but about creating a space where Afghans could actually talk to each other without outsiders dictating the terms.

The first day was more private: Afghan leaders sat together to hash out principles, from governance to the rule of law to women’s rights. The second day was broader, bringing in both Pakistani and Afghan voices, trying to mend some trust and look at practical issues that affect people on both sides of the border. A lot of the conversation circled back to one main point: if you don’t include everyone—especially women and minorities—there’s no way you’ll get lasting peace. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s been ignored again and again.

Among the participants were familiar names from past governments, like former ministers and parliamentarians, alongside women activists who’ve been pushing hard for rights even under dangerous circumstances. Fawzia Koofi, for example, spoke up about how Afghans should be trusted to shape their own future instead of being told what’s good for them. She’s been consistent on that point for years.

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Not everyone was thrilled about the conference. Some worried it would irritate the Taliban or strain Pakistan’s relations with Kabul. Even Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US envoy, chimed in that holding such a meeting in Pakistan could look provocative. The organisers pushed back on that, saying this was never about opposing anyone—it was about dialogue.

The strongest signal, though, came from the women in the room. In a context where the Taliban has stripped away so many of their rights, just showing up at a regional forum like this was a powerful statement. It said: you can’t talk about Afghanistan’s future without Afghan women at the table.

Whether this kind of dialogue leads to anything concrete is hard to say. Afghan politics is fractured, and the Taliban aren’t exactly known for compromise. But the Islamabad moot did something important: it opened up a space where diverse Afghan voices, especially those who’ve been sidelined, could be heard. Even if it’s just a small step, it matters.