Recently, a research conference was convened by Pugwash (an international organization) in Doha, the capital of Qatar on 23-24 January 2016 to find solutions for the sufferings of our beloved country. The official stance of the Islamic Emirate containing 14 pages was delivered to the participants by a high level delegation of the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate.
Following points are noteworthy in the statement:
The fundamental factor behind nearly four decade tragedy of the country is the foreign interferences and invasions. War is imposed on us and we believe that problems could not be resolved by use of force and fighting. The end of occupation and establishment of an Islamic system is the lofty objective of the Islamic Emirate. Establishment of official venue for the Islamic Emirate; removal of blacklist and prize list; release of prisoners and ending poisonous propaganda are among the preliminary steps needed for peace.

Islamic Emirate considers it its obligation, on the call of its faith and conscious, to serve the Afghan people. The Islamic Emirate is committed to civil activities; to freedom of speech and to women’s rights in the light of Islamic rules, national interests and values.

It considers it its responsibility to provide to the sons of the nation access to education and protect and construct national installations and assets of public benefit. The Islamic Emirate supports all projects of public benefit including the TAPI project which is aimed at achieving advancement of the country, well-being and prosperity of the people. We want good relations with the world on the basis of mutual respect.

The statement released by the officials of Pugwash organization at the end of the meeting has not only showed consent with the courageous stance of Islamic Emirate rather they considered the demands of Islamic Emirate essential for true peace. For example, the statement says:
1..Peace is an urgent need. Decades of war have been imposed on Afghanistan……….. 2. The sovereignty of Afghanistan and the desired peace and stability will ultimately be achieved via political cooperation…………  Foreign troops must eventually leave Afghanistan 4. Outside forces should not control the politics of Afghanistan. 5. Blacklists should be eliminated and freedom of movement should be guaranteed…… All agreed that the Taliban should have an office and an address. 8.. The protection of civilians and an end to civilian casualties are shared goals and high priorities…… 9. Afghanistan should have an Islamic government. The present constitution needs to be changed. A fundamental concern is that any constitution should ensure there will be no monopoly of power and no discrimination against people with different religions and backgrounds 14. Protection of public properties such as schools, medical facilities, and the country’s infrastructure is essential. People who commit crimes against them should be prosecuted. 17. All sides share the desire for future engagement with the outside world, and welcome good relations and cooperation with the international community based on mutual respect…..
Influential Afghan personalities, politicians and representatives of different countries participated in the meeting. The just and courageous stance portrayed by Islamic Emirate regarding lasting peace in the country was appreciated and considered as an important step towards resolution of the several-decades long Afghan issue.
Now, it is up to the world especially the other party of the conflict to show extent of their commitment to peace and how positively they respond to the demands and views of this international community and participants.

End