On Monday, February 24, 2025, AISS hosted the 12th Herat Security Dialogue in Madrid, Spain, titled “Afghanistan: Reviving Hope; Synergetic Efforts.” This conference provided a forum for experts, politicians, diplomats, human rights activists, policymakers, and representatives of political movements to exchange views and seek practical solutions to Afghanistan’s security, political, and social challenges.

Speakers examined the serious state of affairs in Afghanistan. Rahmatullah Nabil, the former head of national security, stated that the country is viewed not only as a refuge for terrorists but has also turned into an “ultra-extremist state” with deep-rooted criminal networks. Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, warned that ignoring the present threats and not addressing widespread human rights violations - particularly the harsh restrictions imposed on women and girls - might lead to outcomes even more disastrous than the 9/11 attacks. Bennett called for the issuance of arrest warrants against Taliban leaders by the Hague Court, describing this step as symbolic yet necessary.

In addition, Mohsin Dawar, leader of the National Democratic Movement of Pakistan, rejected the idea that the Taliban truly represent the Afghan people, arguing that they cannot define the country’s independent history. He also condemned the regional and geopolitical policies in which neighboring countries - especially Pakistan - place their own interests above genuine support for Afghanistan.

Another topic discussed at the conference was the call for establishing unified political and social structures to rebuild the nation. Rangin Dadfar Sepanta, a former national security advisor, proposed the formation of a “National Assembly of the Afghan People” so that civil, political, and social groups - including both women and men - could work together under a common plan to tackle terrorism, extremism, and discrimination. This proposal was put forward as a practical measure to move beyond the current crisis and create a political space free from Taliban influence.

Asad Durrani, the former head of Pakistan’s Intelligence Agency, noted that after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, Islamabad has focused on protecting its own national interests by engaging in wide-ranging discussions with countries such as Iran, China, Russia, Turkey, and the Central Asian states.

The conference featured several speeches and various viewpoints spread across four panels. On the first day, in addition to the four panels, there was a special conversation, a book launch event featuring books by two authors, and a musical performance by “Jeyhoon Band: From Khorasan to Andalusia.

The second day of the conference will continue on Tuesday, February 25, with further discussions involving representatives from various countries, delegates from political movements, policymakers, and human rights activists.

The full conference report will be available shortly on the AISS website.