ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Asif Durrani advocated the necessity of implementing biometric measures for the cross-border movement of people to bolster security and minimise threats from non-state actors.

He said this during his interaction with Afghan religious, tribal and business stakeholders on Saturday, says a press release.

He also highlighted the security threats posed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the detrimental effects of their activities on Pakistan’s security.

The envoy addressed issues related to trade and border management, emphasising the importance of documentation such as passports and CNICs for security purposes.

The interaction was part of the Pak-Afghan Stakeholders Conference organised by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in collaboration with its Afghan partner, the Organisation for Economic Studies and Peace (OESP), as part of their initiative ‘Beyond Boundaries’.

Ambassador Asif Durrani emphasised the need for cooperation in countering terrorism efforts and promoting peace in the region.

He emphasised that terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIS) posed a threat not only to Afghanistan but also to the wider region and the world.

He stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat terrorism and promote sustainable regional peace.

Ambassador Durrani stressed the need for mutual respect for sovereignty between Pakistan and Afghanistan and refuted the perception of Pakistan using coercion in its dealings with Afghanistan.

He accused external actors, particularly India, of supporting TTP militants, citing evidence of their involvement, and underscored the need to address the issue of the militant outfit’s funding and external support.

The envoy expressed Pakistan’s commitment to ongoing discussions with Afghanistan and assured that efforts were underway to address existing challenges and achieve positive outcomes.

Ambassador Durrani also interacted with female Afghan students to address concerns and queries regarding educational opportunities, internships, visa procedures, and other challenges faced by Afghan students studying in Pakistan.

He highlighted the scholarships provided by the Pakistani government to Afghan students and emphasised how such endeavours provide equal educational opportunities to them in Pakistan.

He mentioned that 4,500 scholarships were announced for Afghan students under the Allama Mohammad Iqbal Scholarship programme, with 1,500 dedicated to Afghan women, covering various fields of study for a duration of up to five years.

The Afghan students underscored that they should be given opportunities for internships in Pakistan after the completion of their educational tenure in the country to help equip them with practical hands-on experience and enable them to apply the acquired skills in their home communities.

The requirement of a mahram (male guardian) for female students to cross the border was discussed, with Ambassador Durrani advising students to plan accordingly and bring a mahram when necessary. He emphasised the importance of adhering to visa procedures and regulations.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2024