“Rehabilitation of Afghanistan requires consistent support from other countries”- An observer’s account

In a briefing session held at IPS on February 7, 2022, Senior IPS Associate Amanullah Khan shared insights from his recent visit to Afghanistan. The visit, which took place from January 27 to February 2, 2022 as part of a delegation of Islamic Interest-Free Microfinance, was done with a view to assess the prevailing environment in the country following the establishment of a new regime, as well as to weigh in over the prospects of post-conflict development in Afghanistan through Islamic interest-free microfinancing.

The speaker shared event-wise details of the visit with the audience, apprising that during the week-long trip, the delegation had opportunities to interact with a number of government officials, key opinion leaders and influencers, discussing different welfare projects including Riba-free microfinancing and Qarz-e-Hasna program.

The visitors also had a chance to witness directly the on-ground realities as well as the problems faced by common citizens especially in the areas of health, education, economy, etc., to which they offered suggestions to build on the community potential through volunteering services and other similar initiatives.

The panelists, which also included Dr Nazir Ahmed Vaid, Sarfaraz Ahmed Minhas and Major Aftab Ahmed from Islamic Interest-Free Microfinance, were unanimous in their opinion that the rehabilitation and post-conflict development of Afghanistan requires consistent support and assistance of neighboring as well as Western countries under the auspices of the UN. They further advocated that Pakistan should play a proactive role not only in supporting Afghanistan but also in neutralizing the negative narrative, resentment feeling, and propaganda being built against Pakistan among the people of Afghanistan by adversaries.