The recent joint statement from the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan marks a significant moment in the region’s diplomatic landscape, urging the de facto Afghan authorities to fulfill their international responsibilities. The statement calls on the Afghan Interim Government (AIG) to take verifiable actions in dismantling terrorist groups operating within its borders and to prevent Afghan territory from being used as a base for threats against neighboring countries and the broader region. This advice is not just sensible but essential for the stability and development of Afghanistan and its neighbors. Adherence to this statement could pave the way for positive diplomatic engagements, while non-compliance could lead to increased isolation and missed opportunities for the Afghan leadership.

The Moscow Format, a platform that brings together Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, has consistently sought to address regional security concerns. The latest joint statement reflects the urgency felt by these powers regarding the security situation in Afghanistan. Despite maintaining relatively stable relations with the Taliban-led Afghan government, regional powers such as Russia, Iran, and China remain deeply concerned about the rising terrorist threats originating from Afghan soil. These concerns stem from the fear that Afghanistan, under its current governance, could again become a haven for extremist groups that threaten regional and global security.

For the Afghan Interim Government, the Moscow Format’s recommendations offer a pathway to international engagement and legitimacy. By dismantling terrorist networks within its borders and ensuring that Afghan territory is not used as a launching pad for attacks against other nations, the AIG can demonstrate a commitment to being a responsible member of the international community. This move would help alleviate concerns about Afghanistan’s role in regional instability and foster stronger ties with its neighbors, who are crucial to Afghanistan’s economic recovery and political stability.

However, the Afghan Interim Government’s disregard for the Moscow Format’s guidance risks further isolation from the international community. Non-adherence to the commitments outlined in the joint statement could result in a loss of diplomatic goodwill and economic support. Such a path would not only distance Afghanistan from vital regional powers but also limit its access to international aid, investment, and developmental opportunities. For a nation already grappling with severe economic hardships and humanitarian crises, further isolation could exacerbate the suffering of the Afghan people and weaken the AIG’s position domestically.

One of the major challenges facing Afghanistan today is the persistent presence of terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other militant groups. These organizations pose a threat not only to the security of Afghanistan but also to neighboring countries and beyond. The fear is that these groups could use Afghanistan as a haven, leveraging the country’s instability to plan and execute attacks across the region. It is within this context that the Moscow Format’s emphasis on verifiable action becomes particularly important. Regional powers are not merely calling for verbal commitments; they demand concrete steps from the AIG to neutralize these threats.

Beyond the regional security dimension, the Afghan Taliban must address internal challenges that hinder their governance and tarnish their international image. A significant area of concern is the exclusionary policies towards certain ethnic groups and the restriction of women’s rights, particularly the ban on girls’ education. These policies, driven by narrow interpretations of religious doctrine, have drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. The Taliban’s stance on women’s rights, especially the right to education, is seen as a regression from the progress made over the past two decades. By denying half of its population the right to education and participation in public life, the AIG is not only harming its own people but also alienating potential international partners who see inclusivity and human rights as prerequisites for engagement.

In the broader interest of Afghanistan, the Afghan Interim Government must focus on creating a stable, inclusive, and secure environment that benefits all Afghans. This requires a firm stance against terrorism and a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Blocking terrorist groups from gaining ground is not just a demand from the international community; it is a necessity for the future stability of Afghanistan itself. If the AIG can ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a breeding ground for global terror, it would open doors to economic collaboration, infrastructure development, and the possibility of becoming a regional trade hub.

Pakistan, sharing a long and porous border with Afghanistan, has been particularly vocal in urging the Afghan Interim Government to respect international norms. Islamabad has stressed the importance of peace and cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbors for regional stability. Pakistan’s concerns are rooted in the direct impact that instability in Afghanistan has on its own security and economic interests. A stable Afghanistan, free from terrorist activities, is crucial for Pakistan’s aspirations for regional connectivity and economic growth. By aligning itself with international expectations, the AIG can strengthen its relationship with Pakistan, turning a historically complex relationship into one that benefits both nations.

Afghanistan’s actions on the security front must align with its responsibility to contribute to regional and global peace. This means curbing the influence of extremist ideologies and ensuring that its territory is not used to destabilize neighboring countries. The Afghan Interim Government needs to recognize that fulfilling these obligations is not merely a favor to the international community; it is a critical step toward building a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. By doing so, Afghanistan can position itself as a responsible state that contributes to regional security rather than a source of insecurity.