Concurrently with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit hosted by Tajikistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, the official spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, asserted that Afghanistan’s active presence and participation in regional decision-making processes are essential.
Kabul 24: Stating that Afghanistan is an integral part of the region, Mujahid warned that ignoring Kabul makes the practical implementation of regional resolutions and agreements difficult. He called on regional states to support Afghanistan and officially involve the country in decision-making mechanisms.
At the same summit, Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, emphasized that ensuring stability in Afghanistan is a vital prerequisite for lasting peace and economic development across the entire region. He affirmed that Islamabad desires a peaceful, stable, integrated, and prosperous Afghanistan living in peace with itself and its neighbors.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the summit, Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran’s First Vice President, met with Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, to discuss expanding tripartite cooperation involving Afghanistan. Aref welcomed President Rahmon’s proposal for establishing a “South Pars–Afghanistan–Tajikistan Energy Corridor,” reaffirming Iran’s readiness to develop transit, export petroleum products, and connect the region to the open waters of the Persian Gulf. These consultations come as Afghanistan retains observer status in the SCO while debates continue regarding official engagement with Kabul.
Analysis
Zabihullah Mujahid’s stance—coinciding with regional discussions on cross-border initiatives like the proposed energy corridor—highlights Afghanistan’s undeniable geoeconomic position in regional integration. Regardless of political reservations or formal recognition issues, SCO member states recognize that large-scale transit and energy infrastructure projects cannot be fully realized without Kabul’s participation and security management. This mutual economic dependence offers the Islamic Emirate an avenue to reduce diplomatic isolation and solidify its role in regional connectivity.
