PAKISTAN READER

Anwesha Ghosh Dr Anwesha Ghosh is a Research Fellow at ICWA, New Delhi. She is the author of Identity and Marginality in India (Routledge, 2020) and Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Pasts and Anticipations (KW Publishers, 2026).

The second quarter of 2026 witnessed important developments in Afghanistan's political, diplomatic, and security landscape. Nearly five years after the Taliban's return to power, the regime continued its efforts to reduce international isolation through deeper engagement with regional powers while simultaneously consolidating its ideological control at home. The period was marked by a landmark military cooperation agreement with Russia, expanding regional engagement through potential trade and connectivity initiatives, continued restrictions on women and girls, persistent tensions with Pakistan, Taliban-EU engagement in Brussels, and the renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Together, these developments reflected the central paradox of contemporary Afghanistan: increasing regional engagement alongside continued international criticism of the Taliban's domestic policies.

1. Russia-Taliban Military Cooperation Agreement
One of the most significant developments during the quarter was the signing of a Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement between Russia and the Taliban administration on 27 May 2026 during the Moscow International Security Conference. The agreement, signed by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, represents the most substantial security arrangement between Afghanistan and a major power since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The agreement reportedly includes maintenance and repair of Soviet-era military equipment, technical assistance, training programmes, and broader security cooperation. It follows a gradual improvement in relations between Moscow and Kabul, culminating in Russia's recognition of the Taliban government in 2025 and the removal of the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations. For Russia, the agreement reflects concerns regarding the activities of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and broader regional security challenges. For the Taliban, it strengthens military capabilities while providing diplomatic legitimacy. The agreement also illustrates the growing willingness of regional powers to engage the Taliban government based on strategic interests rather than ideological considerations.

2. Expanding International Engagement and Regional Connectivity
The second quarter also witnessed continued efforts by the Taliban to expand diplomatic and economic engagement with regional states. A notable development was the participation of Taliban representatives in the Second Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia held in Uzbekistan in June 2026. The conference brought together officials, experts, and policymakers to discuss trade, transport, infrastructure, and regional economic cooperation. The participation of Taliban representatives reflected the growing recognition that Afghanistan occupies a critical geographical position linking South Asia and Central Asia. Discussions focused on initiatives such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and regional transit corridors that could transform Afghanistan into a land bridge connecting Central Asian markets with ports in South Asia. The conference highlighted the increasing willingness of regional actors to engage with the Taliban on practical economic issues despite the absence of formal recognition.
Diplomatic engagement also expanded beyond the region. In June 2026, Qatar hosted a meeting in Kabul involving representatives of the Taliban and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to discuss Afghanistan's relations with the international community. The meeting underscored Doha's continuing role as an important intermediary between the Taliban and international actors and reflected ongoing efforts to explore avenues for greater international engagement despite persistent disagreements over governance and human rights issues. The Taliban also maintained active engagement with China, Iran, Russia, the Central Asian states and India. China continued to facilitate dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan while exploring economic opportunities linked to regional connectivity. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan pursued cooperation in trade, transportation, and energy, while Iran remained engaged on migration and border-management issues. India, too, continued its cautious engagement with the Taliban through diplomatic contacts and business outreach. Meetings held in New Delhi during the quarter focused on expanding trade and exploring investment opportunities in Afghanistan, reflecting a gradual deepening of practical cooperation despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition. These interactions demonstrated that Afghanistan is gradually becoming more integrated into regional diplomatic and economic frameworks.

3. Intensification of Restrictions on Women and Human Rights Concerns
Despite growing regional engagement, the Taliban continued to face international criticism over its treatment of women and girls. Restrictions on female education, employment, mobility, and participation in public life remained firmly in place, making Afghanistan the only country where girls are systematically excluded from secondary and higher education. Particularly concerning were reports of increased enforcement of the Taliban's morality regulations. In June 2026, authorities in Herat reportedly detained several women and girls for alleged violations of prescribed dress codes and behavioural regulations. The incident attracted widespread criticism from human rights organisations and highlighted the increasingly coercive enforcement of the Taliban's social policies. Concerns also persisted regarding legal and judicial practices affecting women. International organisations warned that existing policies continue to institutionalise gender inequality and further restrict women's access to education, employment, and justice. Beyond human rights implications, these measures have significant social and economic consequences by limiting women's contribution to the country's development. Consequently, the treatment of women remains the principal obstacle to the Taliban's efforts to secure broader international legitimacy.

4. Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations: Dialogue amid Persistent Tensions
Afghanistan-Pakistan relations remained fragile during the quarter despite renewed diplomatic efforts. In April 2026, China facilitated trilateral discussions involving Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi, aimed at reducing tensions, restoring dialogue, and enhancing regional cooperation. The talks reflected growing concern among regional actors over the deterioration of relations between the two neighbours. At the same time, fundamental disagreements persisted. Pakistan continued to express concerns over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan, while the Taliban administration rejected these allegations and accused Islamabad of violating Afghan sovereignty. Border incidents and disruptions to trade and transit periodically affected communities on both sides of the Durand Line. While the resumption of diplomatic engagement offered some hope for de-escalation, the quarter demonstrated that longstanding disputes over security, border management, and militancy continue to impede a substantive improvement in bilateral relations. Given Pakistan's central role in Afghanistan's trade and regional connectivity ambitions, managing these tensions remains critical for regional stability.

5. Taliban - EU Engagement in Brussels
A notable diplomatic development during the quarter was the European Union's decision to host Taliban representatives in Brussels in June 2026 for discussions on migration, refugee returns, and consular issues. The meeting marked the first official visit by Taliban representatives to the Belgian capital since the movement returned to power in 2021 and reflected growing European concerns over the management of Afghan migration flows, particularly in light of the increasing return of Afghan nationals from European countries and neighbouring states. The talks underscored a broader shift towards pragmatic engagement with the Taliban on issues of mutual concern despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition. For the European Union, engagement was viewed as necessary to address migration management, humanitarian challenges, and regional stability. For the Taliban, the invitation represented another opportunity to project international legitimacy and demonstrate that key global actors are increasingly willing to engage with the de facto authorities in Kabul.
However, the meeting generated significant criticism from Afghan women's rights activists, human rights organisations, and sections of the Afghan diaspora. Critics argued that engaging the Taliban without securing meaningful concessions on women's rights, girls' education, and inclusive governance risked legitimising a regime that continues to impose severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The controversy surrounding the Brussels talks highlighted a broader dilemma confronting the international community: balancing practical engagement with the Taliban against continued opposition to its human rights record.

6. Renewal of UNAMA's Mandate
Another important development during the quarter was the renewal of the mandate of the UNAMA by the UN Security Council. The extension reaffirmed the international community's commitment to maintaining a diplomatic and humanitarian presence in Afghanistan despite ongoing disagreements over engagement with the Taliban government. UNAMA continues to play a critical role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring human rights conditions, facilitating dialogue, and supporting international engagement efforts. The renewal reflected international concerns regarding Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis, security challenges, and restrictions on women's rights. The decision also demonstrated that while many countries remain unwilling to formally recognise the Taliban government, they continue to view engagement through multilateral mechanisms as essential for addressing Afghanistan's complex challenges. The extension therefore reinforced UNAMA's role as a key bridge between Afghanistan and the international community.

To Conclude: Afghanistan in Apr-June 2026
The second quarter of 2026 highlighted both the opportunities and limitations confronting Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The military cooperation agreement with Russia and participation in regional connectivity initiatives, and engagement with regional countries reflected growing regional acceptance of pragmatic engagement with the Taliban authorities. However, continued restrictions on women and girls, unresolved tensions with Pakistan, and the absence of meaningful political reforms remained significant obstacles to broader international legitimacy. The quarter thus reflected a continuing divergence between the Taliban's expanding external engagement and its enduring internal constraints.

Print

Bookmark