Afghanistan pins hopes on UN-led meeting in Doha

The Afghan caretaker government aims to engage with all parties and tackle tough issues such as lifting sanctions at the third UN-hosted meeting on Afghanistan in Doha from Sunday to Monday. Analysts say its participation can help the war-torn country recover from economic crisis and enhance regional ties.

"Afghanistan's participation in the Doha Conference (June) 2024 marks a significant step toward regional stability and international engagement," said Tahir Farooq, editor-in-chief of Daily Ittehad Media Group and Pakistan Economic Net. "The presence of Afghan representatives at such a high-profile event signals a willingness to engage in dialogue with the global community.

"It is essential for the Taliban to build trust and confidence among all parties involved to ensure a stable and prosperous Afghanistan."

This is the first time the caretaker government has joined the UN meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan, attended by envoys from more than 25 countries.

The meeting, chaired by UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, focuses on enhancing international engagement on Afghanistan "in a more coherent, coordinated and structured manner".

Afghanistan's interim government chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the media on Saturday, "We are going to Doha for the purpose of stimulating understanding and solving problems and calling on all related countries to have a beneficial relationship with Afghanistan."

Experts said Afghanistan's economic needs are dire, with more than $7 billion in assets frozen in U.S. bank accounts.

Imtiaz Gul, executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies in Pakistan, said, "So it is essentially a bargain (between the United Nations and the Taliban) of necessity born out of realization that the world needs to engage Afghanistan and prevent millions of Afghan (people) from crisis."

He added, "Taliban also realized they cannot take the country forward without outside support."

Farooq emphasized the need to unlock the funds frozen by the United States and facilitate economic recovery for the Afghan people.

"Thus the Doha Conference can pave the way for constructive international support and investment," he said.

"Only through cooperative and pragmatic policies can Afghanistan hope to overcome its current challenges and move toward a stable and prosperous future."