Afghan women and Taliban govt

Afghan women today protested for their rights in Kabul. The "reformed" Taliban beat them up and resorted to aerial firing to disperse them. They are showing extraordinary courage by standing up to armed men whose primary goal in life is to subjugate women. It once again shows that religious extremists are terrified of those who ask for their rights, especially if they happen to be women.

It is unfortunate that so many young Afghans now hate Pakistan. It is neither the fault of Afghans nor ordinary Pakistanis. In Afghanistan, the previous regime placed all its governance failures at the doorstep of Pakistan, using its neighbor as scapegoat for an inept government. In Pakistan, our Afghan policy was never a national policy but was always led by a department that wishes to use Afghanistan as a proxy. They have manufactured a narrative in which progressive Afghans are our enemies and the Taliban are our friends.

Not only does it reflect the medieval mindset of our ruling elites, it also shows that there is precious little debate in Pakistan on issues that matter to so many people. Anyone who challenges the narrative of the Generals is automatically declared a traitor. Recently, COAS even went to the extent of suggesting that no "divisions" will be allowed in the country. How can a government servant decide what will be allowed and what will not be allowed for ordinary citizens? Do we not have a constitution to decide on these matters?

The fate of Afghans and Pakistanis are linked forever. We must have an honest debate on how to rebuild trust not just with one militant group but with the civil society and different political factions in Afghanistan. Pakistan's parliament and civil society must take a leading role in initiating this discussion. We cannot let a few men acting like gangsters push our region to endless conflict and undermine the fate of millions of our people.

Amaar ali jan