Astana, Kazakhstan | July 16, 2025— At the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar delivered a strong message regarding the urgent need to address the challenges posed by Taliban governance and regional security. Speaking before regional leaders and international stakeholders, Dar emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to ensure peace, stability, and security in the region.

SCO Urged to Address Gaps in Taliban Governance and Regional Security

Ishaq Dar directly called on the international community, especially neighboring and regional countries to step up pressure on the Taliban government. He asserted that without an inclusive and representative political system, Taliban governance and regional security will remain fragile and unpredictable.

He pointed out that a government formed solely by the Taliban fails to represent the diverse ethnic and political fabric of the country. Moreover, he stressed that the lack of inclusivity has continued to deepen internal divisions. “A one-party rule will never fulfill the long-term aspirations of the Afghan people,” Dar stated firmly.

Taliban Ignoring Global Demands, Posing Security Risks

Dar criticized the Taliban for consistently ignoring three key demands put forth by the international community: establishing an inclusive political framework, ending human rights abuses, and severing ties with terrorist groups. He warned that Taliban governance and regional security remain under threat as long as these concerns go unaddressed.

In addition, he emphasized that the Taliban’s refusal to reform not only undermines internal harmony but also poses cross-border risks. “Their failure to meet global expectations could destabilize not just Afghanistan, but the broader region,” he added. Dar’s remarks underscored how the current regime’s actions violate both the spirit and the letter of the Doha Agreement.

Haibatullah’s Rule Raises Concerns for Peace

Ishaq Dar strongly criticized the leadership style of Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada. He described Akhundzada’s governance as undemocratic, rigid, and deeply at odds with global norms. “Such autocratic behavior,” Dar warned, “has eroded any remaining hopes for democratic evolution in the country.”

He urged world powers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia, to prioritize counter-terrorism objectives over short-term political or economic interests. “Supporting the Taliban through diplomatic or trade ties without accountability will not eliminate terrorism, it may strengthen it,” he said.

Consequently, Dar cautioned that failing to address Taliban governance and regional security could lead to a resurgence of militancy across Central and South Asia. He called this a shared regional responsibility that cannot be ignored.

Coordinated Regional Strategy Needed

Looking ahead, Dar recommended that the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) lead the development of a unified counter-terrorism strategy. He emphasized that unilateral approaches will fail to address the magnitude of the challenge. “Only through collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint mechanisms can we secure the region from extremist threats,” he said.

Furthermore, Dar called for concrete actions rather than symbolic commitments from SCO members to contain the fallout of poor Taliban governance. He urged them to take into account the long-term impact of inaction on regional security and economic development.

Conclusion: A Call to Prioritize Regional Peace

In summary, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister made a compelling case for reevaluating the global approach toward Taliban governance and regional security. His speech at the SCO summit marked one of the most direct and bold appeals for action from a regional power.

By urging multilateral cooperation and calling out the Taliban’s continued defiance of international norms, Ishaq Dar highlighted the growing urgency of crafting a stable and inclusive future. As the world watches closely, the responsibility now lies with regional powers to turn strong words into strategic action.