VC-IPS discusses evolving scenario and potential challenges for Afghanistan

IPS was represented by its
vice chairman Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain in a webinar titled
‘Afghanistan: Past, Present and Future’, which was organized by Margalla Book
Club on September 8, 2021.

The
webinar, which was moderated by Ambassador (r) Ghalib Iqbal and attended
alongside VC-IPS by Ambassador (r) Asif Durrani and Ihsan Ghani Khan (PSP
retired), aimed at discussing the developing scenario in Afghanistan and
potential challenges and opportunities lying ahead in the wake of the Taliban’s
rise to power.

Speaking
over the current and evolving situation in Afghanistan, VC-IPS feared a
prolonged civil war and bloodshed in the country in case a negotiated
settlement was not reached by all stakeholders.

Commenting
on the fallouts of an Afghan civil war on Pakistan, Hussain warned that
Pakistan could face a plethora of issues in such situation – including the
arrival of more Afghan refugees, an increase in cross-border terrorism and
hindrances in implementing regional connectivity projects – urging Pakistan to
stay vigilant and plan for these challenges in advance.