Syed Ibrar Hussain (Former Ambassador to Afghanistan): The role of Pakistan in regional peace and stability is being acknowledged by the civilized world, but unfortunately some European countries criticize Pakistan just to please our enemies. Pakistan has been striving for peaceful and stable Afghanistan for the last many decades as it is in our national interest. Pakistan played the role of facilitator in Afghan peace process and after that evacuated people from the war-torn country. Some elements who were benefitted from the war economy tried to sabotage peace process as peace in Afghanistan was not in their interest. The future of Afghanistan will depend on the policies adopted by Afghan Taliban and fulfilling their commitments. If the world accepts the Taliban government in Kabul, then it will compensate the financial issues of the country to a great extent.

Lt Gen (Retd) Raza Muhammad Khan (Defense Analyst): The entire world is eyeing on the establishment of upcoming government in Kabul. United States must review its decision of operation of its diplomatic mission from Doha. It should bring its diplomatic operations from within Afghanistan. Afghan Taliban are working on constitution of inclusive government that will bring soft image of Taliban in front of the world. Afghan Taliban are planning to bring new faces in to the government, including the sons of Tajik and Uzbek tribal leaders. Pakistan evacuated certain ambassadors of different countries on humanitarian grounds and the entire world is acknowledging the role of Pakistan in this regard.

Abdullah Gul (Defense Analyst): I am hopeful that Afghan Taliban are serious in establishing an inclusive government and the government will include leaders from all ethnicities and tribal backgrounds in the country. Afghanistan’s ethnic diversity has been at the centre of politics and conflict in the country, with no single ethnic group enjoying a decisive majority in the country of 40 million people. The Pashtoons are Afghanistan’s biggest ethnic group, making up more than 42 percent of the population. On the humanitarian basis, Pakistan is hosting some migrants who fled from Afghanistan. India must have to realize that Pakistan is an important regional stakeholder and must respect its sovereignty. The importance Pakistan cannot be ignored as for as current regional developments are concerned.

Sania Nishtar (Special Assistant to PM on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety): It is a fact that lack of financial assistance remained the barrier in provision of education to the children. According to recent statistics, almost 21 million children are out of schools in the country. The prime focus of the government is provision of quality education to the masses. We have set up institutional arrangements. The Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched school scholarship scheme for the deserving households across the country under Ehsaas program. The stipend will be given to those deserving parents who will ensure at least 70% presence of their children in educational institutions. Initially the program is from kindergarten to grade 12 students and program will be further accelerated in days ahead.