From Afghanistans Perspective: Harun Mubarez on Regional Crises, Pakistan, and Middle East Developments

Harun Mubarez, former Afghan minister, speaks to the Afghan Times about how the ongoing regional crisis is severely affecting ordinary Afghans. From his perspective, Taliban policies and upheavals in the Middle East and Iran have driven prices higher, disrupted trade, and left people struggling to survive. He stresses that the issue is humanitarian rather than political, urging a focus on the daily needs of families and communities living under economic distress. Mubarez notes that Pakistan has recently seen positive diplomatic development, arguing that for years it has presented evidence that terrorist groups such as the TTP and BLA operate from Afghan soil and carry out attacks inside Pakistan, often with alleged Indian support. He says the new US label of Afghanistan as a country of wrongful detention validates Pakistan's position and represents a clear win for Islamabad. On the economic front, he points to India initially promising trade through Iran's Chabahar port to reduce Afghan dependence on Pakistan, but contends that current developments have collapsed that plan, further damaging Afghanistan's economy and access to markets. Those who celebrate bypassing Pakistan are warned they are now facing consequences. Mubarez calls for Afghanistan to improve relations with neighbors, halt cross-border militant support, and prioritize the survival of its people. He stresses that the discussion is about Afghan lives, not geopolitics, and that future governments will bear responsibility if the Afghan people continue to suffer.