Does Pakistan Harbor Genuine Remorse? And Who Ought to Engage Islamabad in Shaping Post-Taliban Afghanistan?

The South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) hosted its “Towards Unity and Trust” conference in Islamabad on September 29–30, where some Afghan attendees described being treated like a delegation from a government in exile.

Subtle emblems and orchestrated proceedings appeared designed to signal to the Taliban Islamabad’s remorse for fully backing their advance straight to Kabul’s presidential palace—and for persuading key players, from the U.S. in Doha to Iran, China, and Central Asian states beforehand, to lend their support in one way or another.

Is Pakistan Feeling Shame for Being on the Wrong Side of History?
It is too early to judge. The personalities profiled at the conference told Afghan attendees that Islamabad wants to work with a wider Afghan political class—from all four corners of Afghanistan—to help bring back a government and a state system that mirrors the country’s rich ethnic and cultural pluralism.

Do Pakistan’s Words Signify a Real Change in Policy?
The main words in the event’s title—“Unity” and “Trust”—are values and principles that Pakistan has dynamited with IEDs and destroyed through its deadly backing of the Taliban in Afghanistan for decades. But does this stated regret signify a real change in the policies of the Establishment—the powerful deep state? Not clear.

Will Pakistan Apologize to the Afghan People?
Will Pakistan go all the way and say sorry to the people of Afghanistan for the atrocities committed by its military and intelligence agencies? The Taliban have ruined the Afghan societal fabric and broken up what it means to be Afghan. They have reduced and narrowed down patriotism, sense of ownership, and Afghanness to “Talibanism.” Pakistan backed them exactly for this.

Is Islamabad Ready to Cut Ties with Talibanism?
Or do they only dislike certain behaviors of the Taliban? Not known yet. The Afghan people want the outright toppling of the Taliban—is Islamabad OK with that? If yes, what does that OK mean? Real trust-building needs facing up to past wrongs head-on.

Is This Just a Smart Move?
Or is this just a smart move, exploiting the desperation and the hard times of leaders in exile with fake gestures that avoid tough talks? Again, too early to judge. It is better for the Afghan delegates who took part to speak up and provide more clarity. At the moment, it is foggy and ambiguous.

Stakeholders in Designing the Path Forward:

Afghan Political Leaders (In Exile and Within Afghanistan): They must play a central role in shaping the future of Afghanistan, ensuring that the new government reflects the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity.

Regional Powers (Iran, China, Central Asian States): These nations have a vested interest in a stable Afghanistan and can exert pressure on Pakistan to align its policies with the broader regional stability.

International Community (U.S., EU, UN): Their involvement is crucial to ensure that any post-Taliban government adheres to international norms and human rights standards.

Pakistan’s Civil Society and Political Class: They can push for a more transparent and accountable foreign policy that distances itself from militant groups like the Taliban.