The high-profile Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) Chief Maulana Samiul Haq was recently summoned by a delegation from Afghanistan to play his role in resolving the Afghan issue.
The delegation included President Ashraf Ghani, religious leaders, Afghani government representatives, Darul Uloom Haqqania alumni, and the Pakistani ambassador. In a conversation that lasted more than two hours; the many troubling narratives linked to Afghanistan were discussed with Maulana Sami.
The chief was asked to play a role as the intermediary between them and the Taliban because of his age and stature – he was approached with the promise that his decision would be considered the final word.
The Afghan issue has been a major one for a while and the delegation expressed their concern towards the increasing unrest. They also expressed their gratitude toward Maulana Sami explaining how the resolution was not an easy one.

Maulana Sami stated that he merely wishes an end to the ongoing ‘jihad’ and also hopes for Afghanistan to emerge as an independent country. He also expressed his concern towards wanting to end the perpetual shedding of the Afghani blood. Because of their discussion, the delegation was advised to orchestrate another meeting between the religious leaders and the Taliban without involving any external forces such as the US or Pakistan. He stated that the meeting should be held at a private location and should be aimed at the two parties understanding the other’s predicament. The Chief stated that this meeting will intend to ensure the two groups agree that they both require Afghanistan’s freedom from the NATO forces.
Maulana Sami claimed that all parties residing within the country need to unify in order to ensure the system devised is advantageous for the civilization.
Interestingly enough, last week, reports suggested representatives from the Taliban met an Afghan government delegation in Saudi Arabia to discuss security ahead of next month’s parliamentary elections and a limited prisoner release. There certainly seems to a stream of peace talks with the Taliban on the horizon, doesn’t it? Let’s see if Pakistan is thrown into the mix anytime soon. Our Prime Minister Imran Khan certainly feels its the way to go.