A group of high-profile US senators – including a former presidential nominee – has moved a bill in the US Senate seeking imposition of sanctions on the Afghan Taliban that could also potentially extend to Pakistan. The bill, titled ‘Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight, and Accountability Act’, triggered an angry rebuke from a senior member of Pakistan’s cabinet. It singles out Pakistan by name in the section that calls for a report on “entities providing support for the Taliban”. Both Wizarat and Inam agreed that any sanctions on Pakistan were likely to make little difference this time around. Regarding China opting to recognise the Taliban government, he said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if China does represent the Taliban.

Source: The Express Tribune September 28, 2021 20:48 UTC