Qatar Advocates for Support of Afghanistan’s Former Poppy Farmers Amid Regional Tensions

Qatar urges global support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers and notes reduced opium production. Allegations of militant attacks from Afghanistan have emerged in Pakistan, with the Islamic Emirate rejecting these claims. India reiterates its historical ties with Afghanistan, expressing commitment to development and cooperation.

Qatar has issued a call to the international community to assist Afghanistan in finding alternative livelihoods for former poppy farmers. Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, Qatar’s envoy to the United Nations, highlighted positive trends in the global initiative against drugs during a recent session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna. He noted a significant decrease in opium production in Afghanistan, alongside efforts by Syria to dismantle drug manufacturing facilities.

Al-Hammadi emphasized the necessity for collaborative international efforts to support both Afghanistan and Syria, particularly through alternative development initiatives that favor economic alternatives to drug cultivation. He reiterated Qatar’s position that tackling global drug issues requires adherence to international commitments and the support of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as the key policymaking body in this domain.

Afghanistan’s history has been significantly marked by opium cultivation, accounting for over 90 percent of the world’s illicit heroin production in 2021, including more than 95 percent of Europe’s supply. The country has remained the foremost illicit drug producer since 2001, illustrating the urgent need for alternative agricultural support.

In another development, the Pakistan Army has attributed a recent train attack in Balochistan to Afghanistan-based militants, resulting in casualties among both passengers and attackers.

Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, reported that the assailants maintained contact during the attack through satellite phones and warned of repercussions from Afghanistan if such acts persist. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring safety against foreign orchestrated violence.

The spokesperson characterized the train attack as changing the strategic context, underscoring Pakistan’s determination to pursue those responsible regardless of their location. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has dismissed these accusations, asserting that no terrorist actions originate from its territory.

Further, the Islamic Emirate responded strongly to claims made at the UN about its inability to control Daesh. Hamdullah Fitrat, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, dismissed these remarks as unfounded and highlighted Afghanistan’s stability under its governance.

Fitrat called for the UN to formally recognize Afghanistan’s authority to bolster accurate representations of the nation in international forums, arguing that misrepresentations hinder better regional understanding. The ongoing discourse around security and governance in Afghanistan remains contentious, with assertions about various terrorist groups operating in the region.

In terms of regional relations, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, underscored that historical ties have guided India’s engagement with Afghanistan. Harish noted recent discussions with Afghan officials aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, emphasizing India’s commitment to ongoing humanitarian efforts and future development projects in Afghanistan.

India’s involvement in Afghan rebuilding initiatives, comprising over 500 projects, is intended to reinforce peace and stability in the region, reflecting the broader international interest in Afghanistan’s development.

In summary, Qatar has called for international support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers, highlighting positive global trends in the fight against drugs. Meanwhile, Pakistan has alleged attacks by militants from Afghanistan and emphasized its resolve to respond decisively. The Islamic Emirate continues to assert its control over Afghanistan, while India expresses its commitment to supporting Afghan development. These dynamics reflect complex interactions concerning security and cooperation in the region.

Original Source: www.ariananews.af