Statement of the Purple Saturdays Movement regarding the Meeting of Afghan Opposition in Islamabad, Pakistan
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Statement of the Purple Saturdays Movement regarding the Meeting of Afghan Opposition in Islamabad, Pakistan
We, the protesting women of the Purple Saturdays Movement, guided by the principle of “caution in relation to Pakistan,” believe that the conference “Towards Unity and Trust,” with the participation of a number of Afghan political and civil society activists, represents a timely opportunity to support the people of Afghanistan particularly women, vulnerable ethnic communities, and religious minorities while also exerting effective pressure on the Taliban. In this regard, we emphasize the following points:
1. Safeguarding Afghanistan’s National Interests
We firmly believe that all regional developments and gatherings concerning Afghanistan must be managed in a way that places Afghanistan’s national interests at the forefront. No decision should be taken that undermines the rights or interests of the Afghan people.
2. Reducing Tensions and Building Mutual Trust
We stress the urgent need to end historical hostilities and confrontational attitudes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We call upon the participants of this meeting to press the Government of Pakistan to cease its support for the Taliban, to condemn the ongoing gender apartheid in Afghanistan, and to recognize it as a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
3. Acknowledging the People of Pakistan and Supporting Afghan Refugees
We extend our sincere appreciation to the people of Pakistan, who for many years and particularly over the past four years have hosted millions of Afghan refugees, including protesting women, human rights defenders, former military personnel, civil servants, and journalists. We urge the participants of this meeting to request the Government of Pakistan to immediately halt the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, especially those whose lives would be in imminent danger if returned to Afghanistan.
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