ISLAMABAD: A meeting of top military commanders in Pakistan on Tuesday expressed concern about the “brewing” humanitarian and security crisis in Afghanistan, and called on the international community to remain engaged in the war-ravaged country to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Poverty and hunger have worsened since the Taliban takeover in August of Afghanistan, a country already suffering from drought and the COVID-19 pandemic. Half a million people have been displaced in Afghanistan in recent months, according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

Pakistan and world powers are also concerned that the country might yet again become a sanctuary for militant groups. Even so, Islamabad has repeatedly called on the international community to remain engaged with Kabul, saying the Taliban can be incentivzed to keep their promises on human rights and militancy if they are provided continued development and humanitarian aid and recognized by the world. 

A conference of corps commanders of the Pakistan army, led by army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, took a “comprehensive review of evolving security situation in the region,” the army said in a statement. 

“Forum expressed concern over the brewing humanitarian cum security situation in Afghanistan, concluding that meaningful engagement and sustained support by international community is imperative for paving way for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the larger region,” the military said. 

Leaders around the world have pressed that the Taliban’s desire for international recognition is the only leverage other countries have to push the group toward forming an inclusive government and respecting human rights, particularly for women in Afghanistan.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said the forthcoming G20 summit must send a clear message to Afghanistan’s Taliban on the conditions for international recognition.

In an interview with France Inter radio station broadcast, Macron said those conditions must include equality for women, access for foreign humanitarian operations and non-cooperation with terror groups.

“I believe international recognition should have a price, and the dignity of Afghan women, equality between men and women, should be one of the points on which we insist, and should be a condition for us,” Macron said.

Most Western nations have echoed Macron’s sentiments though countries like Pakistan and China have said the world must engage with Afghanistan “without strings.”