Qatar has urged global support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers, emphasizing the reduction in opium production. The Pakistan Army linked a train attack to militants in Afghanistan, prompting the Islamic Emirate to deny such claims. Meanwhile, India reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan through various developmental projects, avoiding any military engagements.
Qatar has appealed to the international community to assist Afghanistan in providing alternative livelihoods for former poppy farmers. At the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Qatar’s envoy to the UN, Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, highlighted the need for collaborative international efforts, particularly in developing economic alternatives to drug cultivation. He noted recent progress with a significant decrease in opium production in Afghanistan, which has historically been a major producer of illicit heroin.
Since 2001, Afghanistan has dominated global opium production, accounting for over 90% of illicit heroin output in 2021, and supplying more than 95% of Europe’s heroin. Al-Hammadi emphasized the importance of adhering to international drug control agreements and outlined that addressing the challenges presented by drug cultivation requires united efforts, particularly in support of alternative development programs.
In a related context, the Pakistan Army has reported that an attack on a train in Balochistan was purportedly orchestrated from Afghanistan, claiming coordination between militants and their counterparts in Afghanistan. This incident, which resulted in numerous casualties, has heightened tensions and prompted calls for accountability from Afghanistan regarding such militant activities.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has dismissed claims by Pakistan regarding the presence of terrorist groups in its territory, asserting that no unauthorized activities occur within its borders. Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat stated that Afghanistan is secure under unified governance and urged that its rightful seat at the United Nations be recognized to prevent the distortion of its image.
Furthermore, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated India’s commitment to Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people ties and ongoing engagements aimed at fostering stability and development. India’s involvement includes over 500 developmental projects across Afghanistan and a readiness to explore future collaborative ventures.
The efforts of Qatar and India to support Afghanistan underscore the necessity of international cooperation in facilitating constructive solutions for the nation, especially in recovering from a legacy of opium production and enhancing economic viability through alternative means.
In summary, Qatar has called upon the international community to support alternative livelihood programs for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers, highlighting recent improvements in the fight against drug production. Concurrently, tensions regarding militant activity from Afghanistan have emerged, with Pakistan alleging involvement in a recent train attack. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan refutes these claims, asserting its control and stability. Additionally, India continues to express strong support for Afghanistan’s development, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability. These factors collectively illustrate a complex landscape requiring coordinated international efforts to foster a sustainable future for Afghanistan.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
