Qatar has urged global support for Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers to find sustainable livelihoods, citing positive trends in drug production reduction. Concurrently, the Pakistan Army accused Afghan militants of orchestrating a deadly train attack. Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate dismissed claims of losing control over terrorist activities, while India reaffirmed its solid engagement with Afghanistan, reflecting geopolitical complexities.
Qatar has called upon the international community to assist Afghanistan’s former poppy farmers in transitioning to alternative livelihoods. During a statement at the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, Qatar’s UN envoy, noted positive trends in the global fight against drugs, particularly highlighting the decrease in opium production in Afghanistan.
Al-Hammadi emphasized the need for collaborative international efforts to support Afghanistan and the Syrian Arab Republic. He urged for programs that aid Afghan farmers in developing alternatives to drug cultivation, which has plagued Afghanistan for years, making it the world’s leading producer of illicit opium and heroin.
Al-Hammadi reiterated that addressing global drug challenges requires adherence to international drug control conventions and the support of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the UN’s main policy-making body on drug control issues. Afghanistan, responsible for over 90 percent of the global heroin supply, remains a pivotal focus for international drug control efforts.
In related news, the Pakistan Army has asserted that a recent train attack in Balochistan was coordinated by militants based in Afghanistan. The assailants targeted a passenger train, resulting in significant casualties including 21 passengers.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has dismissed claims that it is unable to control terrorist activities within its borders. Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat responded to Pakistan’s accusations by asserting that Afghanistan is secure and under unified governance, disputing the narrative crafted by various nations.
India’s engagement with Afghanistan is characterized by deeply rooted, “special” ties, according to Bharat’s UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish. Discussions between Indian officials and Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister reflect ongoing bilateral cooperation focused on development and humanitarian assistance.
In summation, Qatar’s initiative to secure support for former Afghan poppy farmers emphasizes the global necessity for alternative livelihoods in drug-affected regions. Concurrently, tensions arise from allegations by Pakistan regarding militancy directed from Afghan territory, which have been firmly denied by Afghan authorities. Furthermore, India’s continued commitment and engagement with Afghanistan underscore the geopolitical complexity of the region, highlighting the interplay of security, development, and international relations amidst ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
