UK Special Representative Meets Taliban Envoy in Islamabad to Discuss Security and Women’s Rights

Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s special representative for Afghanistan, met with Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Taliban administration’s envoy to Pakistan, during his visit to Islamabad. The meeting took place on Tuesday, January 19, and according to Mr. Lindsay, the discussions primarily focused on regional security issues and the impact of the Taliban administration’s policies on the lives of Afghan women and girls. The widespread restrictions on education, employment, and social participation for women and girls remain a critical concern for the international community regarding the Taliban administration. These policies have repeatedly drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights defenders over the past three years. This meeting comes at a time when, despite efforts to establish diplomatic relations, the Taliban administration has yet to gain official recognition from any country due to its human rights record, especially concerning women’s rights.