Meeting of Civil Society Organizations with the State Ministry for Peace Affairs; Emphasis on Immediate Ceasefire and Ending Violence

Kabul – Community councils and civil society organizations, in a meeting with Dr. Alema, Deputy Minister for Human Rights and Civil Society of the State Ministry for Peace Affairs, expressed their support for the peace negotiations and called for an immediate halt to violence and the establishment of a nationwide ceasefire.

This meeting was held with the aim of hearing the views of civil institutions and the public regarding the peace talks with the Taliban in Doha. Participants emphasized that a ceasefire, preservation of the republic system, and respect for civil liberties must be non-negotiable principles in any peace agreement.

Dr. Alema stated at the meeting that the people of Afghanistan are seeking a lasting, dignified, and just peace, a peace that does not sacrifice the achievements of recent years.

She criticized the ambiguity in the Taliban’s statements and added: “The Taliban talk about an Islamic system, but they do not explain what they mean. Afghanistan is an Islamic country and our constitution is based on Islamic principles. So this claim is nothing but an excuse to bring back the Emirate.”

A reporter from Zan TV, asking the question “What guarantee is there that the Taliban will adhere to democratic principles, freedom of speech, and women’s rights after an agreement?” demanded a clear response.

In response, Dr. Alema said: “Women must have a strong voice in the peace process. We have emphasized the protection of freedom of expression and the fundamental rights of all citizens, especially women.”

Mujtaba Marzban, Head of the Council of Community Councils and Civil Society Organizations, said in his remarks: “We are working to protect the people's values in the peace process. A peace that overlooks the rights of the people will not be sustainable.”

Later, Zainuddin Alimyar, referring to Islam’s view on peace and reconciliation, asked the government to intensify its efforts in advancing the peace process and also called on the international community to support this process. He urged the Taliban to end the violence and to declare a nationwide ceasefire to pave the way for genuine peace.

Dr. Yaqubullah, also supporting the government’s stance, emphasized that the Taliban must stop the violence to make peace possible.

In the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, several journalists and civil activists demanded transparency in the peace negotiations and emphasized the necessity of women’s presence in the structure of the talks.

Leila Jafari, Head of Political Organizations and Civil Society Institutions at the State Ministry for Peace Affairs, emphasized the role of the people and said: “It is the people who can work to protect their rights during the negotiations.”