Islamabad (GNP): The Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Islamabad is hosting a ceremony to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Day of Victory (24 Asad). The event, held under the auspices of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is currently underway. A number of Islamic Emirate officials, Government officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, diplomatic community and media personals also attended the ceremony.
To address the reception, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, on the 5th Anniversary of Victory Day said, It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this dignified gathering commemorating the fifth anniversary of the end of the occupation of Afghanistan and the restoration of its independence. I sincerely thank all distinguished guests for joining us on this important national occasion.
Ambassador said, Five years ago, on 15 August, Afghanistan opened a new chapter in its history. After decades of war, foreign intervention, and suffering, the Afghan people regained the opportunity to determine their own future.
Today marks not only a political transformation but also the beginning of a new era of peace, stability, reconstruction, and economic development. Afghanistan is pursuing an independent path while strengthening its relations with the international community on the basis of mutual respect.
He says a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of the entire region. Our strategic location allows Afghanistan to serve as a bridge between Central and South Asia, creating opportunities for trade, transit, investment, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.
We firmly believe that the stability of Afghanistan is linked to the stability of the region, and the prosperity of Afghanistan contributes to regional prosperity.
Afghanistan places its neighbours at the heart of its foreign policy, with Pakistan holding particular importance. Our shared history, faith, culture, trade, and strong people-to-people ties provide a natural foundation for cooperation.
Afghanistan seeks relations with Pakistan based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference, dialogue, and shared interests. We believe that lasting trust can only be built through sincere engagement and constructive cooperation.
Differences between neighbouring countries are natural, but they should be addressed through dialogue, mutual understanding, and political wisdom. Every challenge can become an opportunity to strengthen trust and expand cooperation.
Afghanistan remains committed to ensuring that its territory is not used against any country. At the same time, we hope that Afghanistan’s legitimate security concerns will be respected. Mutual security requires mutual responsibility.
Our vision is clear: Afghanistan as a bridge, not a battleground—a country that promotes regional connectivity, trade, transit, dialogue, and cooperation.
On this historic occasion, I extend my sincere gratitude for your presence, friendship, and goodwill. May Almighty Allah bless Afghanistan, Pakistan, our region, and the entire world with peace, stability, and prosperity.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman voiced support for closer ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and voiced support for the creation of an Islamic bloc.
The remarks came at a ceremony held at a local hotel in Islamabad on to mark the 5th anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. The event, titled “Day of Victory”, was hosted by Ambassador Sardar Shakib, head of the Afghan mission and a veteran diplomat.
The gathering brought together prominent political and diplomatic figures, including Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Nasir Abbas, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Siraj-ul-Haq.
Among the diplomats attending were India’s newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, Dr Satyanjal Pandey, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam. A large number of women also attended the event.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman address the ceremony. JUI-F chief said he supported the idea of an Islamic bloc and suggested that if Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran made progress towards its establishment, other Muslim countries could also join. He said Pakistan, since its creation, had also assumed geographical importance as a bridge between regions. “I am confident that Pakistan will be a support for Afghanistan and Afghanistan will be a support for Pakistan,” he said.
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“Today, geographically, Pakistan and Afghanistan can play the role of a bridge. Pakistan and Afghanistan must recognise the geopolitical importance of the region,” he added. The remarks came against the backdrop of strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with the two sides facing persistent differences over security concerns and cross-border militancy. Following Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s address, guests were served dinner and a special cake was cut to mark the anniversary.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
