Istanbul To Host Second ‘National Dialogue Process’ Meeting On Afghanistan

The second round of the National Dialogue Process, aimed at outlining a political roadmap to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis, is set to take place in Istanbul on Saturday and Sunday, 8-9 February.

According to sources shared with Afghanistan International, the event will bring together representatives from the Taliban, political parties, civil society, and women. Expected attendees include the sons of Hazara leaders Karim Khalili and Mohammad Mohaqiq, a representative of Jamiat e Islami party leader Salahuddin Rabbani, a delegate from the Islamic Movement Council, the son of Hizbe Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, as well as former member of parliament Farkhunda Zahra Naderi.

Although some journalists have been invited, the forum has imposed restrictions on media coverage, barring any reporting on the discussions. Like the first round of the process, this meeting will be conducted behind closed doors.

Uncertainty Over Taliban Participation

The first round of the National Dialogue Process, held in November 2023, gathered 70 representatives from diverse political and ethnic groups, ethnic, and factions. However, several Taliban representatives and key political figures declined to participate. It remains unclear whether the Taliban will attend this second round of the process.

Participants of the inaugural round of the process had emphasised the necessity of a transparent intra-Afghan dialogue process to pave the way for meaningful political engagement.

Objectives of the National Dialogue Process

The National Dialogue Process consists of 35 permanent members and convenes every three months to foster a culture of dialogue. Its primary objective is to provide a platform for constructive discussions between Afghans inside and outside the country, promoting national trust and addressing Afghanistan’s political, social, economic, and cultural challenges.

Established in 2022 as a collective initiative of Afghan political, social, and economic leaders, the assembly operates with a council-based structure and a rotating leadership.

Prominent figures leading the forum include Uzbek young leader Babar Farahmand, former minister Mustafa Mastoor, former deputy ministers Hikmat Khalil Karzai, and Idris Zaman.