The first major gathering of Afghanistan political activists and groups opened in Islamabad on Monday, September 29, under the banner“First Regional Dialogue Towards Unity and Trust.” The two-day event aims to strengthen regional cooperation and outline a future political vision for Afghanistan.

Organizers said the conference agenda includes exploring pathways to“confidence-building and mutual understanding” between Afghan stakeholders and their regional counterparts. The meeting comes at a time when dialogue among Afghans outside the country remains highly fragmented.

Participants include a diverse group of Afghanistan political figures, women leaders, and diplomats. The event is being hosted jointly by Women for Afghanistan and the Institute for Strategic Stability in South Asia.

Prominent Afghanistan personalities in attendance are Fawzia Koofi, former member of parliament; Mustafa Mastoor, ex-minister of economy; Nasir Ahmad Andisha, former Afghan envoy in Geneva; Ahmadullah Alizai, ex-governor of Kabul; and Tahir Zahir, former governor of Bamiyan.

Also present are Abdullah Qarluq of the National Movement Party, Masoumeh Khawari of the Islamic Unity Party, and Bashir Ahmad Ansari, a noted writer and religious scholar. Organizers noted that this meeting had been delayed several times before its final convening in Islamabad.

The Islamabad dialogue reflects ongoing efforts by Afghan exiles to create common platforms for consultation and possible coordination. Such meetings also highlight Pakistan's role as a venue for cross-border political engagement at a time of regional uncertainty.

Analysts suggest the conference could provide momentum for building confidence among Afghans with divergent political views. However, observers also caution that without inclusion of wider factions inside Afghanistan, the long-term impact may remain limited.

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