On Thursday, the Troika Plus held a meeting in Islamabad after a gap of three months during which key issues were discussed relating to the situation in Afghanistan. The talks were attended by representatives from Pakistan, the US, Russia and China and the message was loud and clear that the interim Taliban government needs to do a lot more before it can be formally recognised by international and regional actors. The officials asked Afghanistan to uphold its international legal obligations, including universally accepted principles of international law and fundamental human rights, and protect the safety and legitimate rights of foreign nationals and institutions on its lands.

The core asks from the Taliban government remain the same as the joint statement from the Troika emphasised on the need to take decisive action against terrorists, take steps to form an inclusive government, and provide equal rights of women and girls to participate in all aspects of Afghan society. Despite these concerns, it is encouraging to note that the Troika stated that it would continue to hold practical engagement with the Taliban to encourage implementation of moderate and prudent policies that can help achieve a stable and prosperous Afghanistan as soon as possible.

The issue of Afghanistan’s frozen funds was also brought up by Pakistan without naming the US. The importance of this issue cannot be understated and it is good to see Islamabad bring this up given how these funds would help regenerate economic activity in Afghanistan. Estimates suggest that during the winter season, around 55 percent of Afghans will be suffering from food insecurity. Experts are of the opinion that the aid that has been promised so far will only help the economy at the margins since the sums are tiny compared to the funds that have flown into Afghanistan in the past.

At the same time, the Taliban must also ensure unhindered humanitarian access, including by women aid workers, for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan to respond to the developing crisis. Averting a humanitarian crisis is paramount at the moment and it is a collective responsibility. The Taliban must be held to its commitments, but engagement must continue as we cannot repeat mistakes of the past and allow innocent Afghans to suffer.