| 2025.10.9 | Exclusive Interview with Mr. Afrasiab Khattak, Pakistani Former Senator
Video: Exclusive Interview with Mr. Afrasiab Khattak, Pakistani Former Senator For centuries, Afghanistan has been known as the “graveyard of empires,” a land defined by its rugged terrain and complex geopolitical rivalries. Today, it stands at a critical juncture, caught between the same old forces—internal divisions, ideological extremism, and the competing interests of international players. Yet, within this challenge lies a profound opportunity. The key is Afghanistan’s youth: a generation that can either be a flashpoint, vulnerable to radicalization, or its greatest asset—a vibrant source of human capital. History has shown that isolation and economic despair are the fertile ground in which extremism grows. To dilute these forces, we must look beyond purely political or military solutions. The most potent tool for deradicalization and stability may, in fact, be business. By integrating Afghanistan into the regional economy, we can offer its youth something more powerful than ideology: a stake in their own future. Jobs, trade, and entrepreneurship create hope, purpose, and interdependence. In the search for alternative models, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) presents a compelling framework. For a region where infrastructure is a significant barrier, the BRI offers a vision of connectivity that could be transformative. Roads and Rails linking Afghan products to markets from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea. This isn’t just about concrete and steel; it’s about creating the conditions for human development. It’s about paving the way for shared prosperity, where stability becomes more valuable than conflict, and a shared destiny becomes a common goal. The path is fraught with complexity, but the alternative—a perpetual cycle of instability—is not an option. By betting on business and regional connectivity, we can help Afghanistan write a new chapter, transforming it from a graveyard of empires into a crossroads of shared prosperity. |
