Afghanistan (MNN) — On the heels of successful ceasefires in Gaza and Sudan, peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have fallen apart.
Aimed at preventing renewed border clashes, discussions orchestrated in Qatar led to a brief pause in fighting. However, negotiations collapsed during the second round of talks last week.
“This ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Taliban highlights the deep complexity of achieving peace in this region,” FMI’s Nehemiah says.
“While there have been repeated calls for a ceasefire and reconciliation, the reality on the ground makes it extremely difficult to sustain peace.”
Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister blames Pakistan for the collapse, saying Islamabad’s demands were “not reasonable or feasible.” Meanwhile, Nehemiah points to the Taliban’s diplomatic naiveté.
Taliban fighters patrol Kabul, August 2021.
(Wikimedia Commons)
“Their entire framework of power and survival depends on conflict and control through fear, not cooperation or civic administration,” he says.
“After taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban has struggled to transition from insurgency to governance.”
Faith amid conflict
FMI supports indigenous church planters in both countries, helping believers carry the Gospel to those who need it most. The ministry also operates a safe house in Afghanistan and provides discipleship training. Learn more here.
Right now, however, “Our partners, who have dual citizenship, are not able to travel inside [or] outside; they are just trapped,” Nehemiah says.
The Taliban’s brutal regime creates a hunger for the Gospel in Afghanistan. Pray that believers will have supernatural boldness to share the hope of Christ.
One pastor recently watched The JESUS Film with his tribal chief, FMI shared in a recent newsletter. Another pastor hands out 10 Bibles every day – an act which could get him killed if he were discovered – but he feels he’s not doing enough to meet the demand.
Subscribe to FMI’s prayer newsletter here.
Prayers for the faithful
Now that you know, how will you respond? “Please pray for financial, spiritual, and emotional resources for our partners,” Nehemiah requests.
“Ask God to provide for their needs and sustain their families as they serve faithfully under hardship.”
Pray that the Lord will surround FMI partners and their families with His divine protection as they serve in areas affected by violence, terrorism, and political unrest.
“When I was talking to our partner in Afghanistan, he quoted from Psalm 91:4, saying, ‘He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart,” Nehemiah says.
“This is what he’s telling his partners on the ground as he’s leading a very small congregation in Afghanistan.”
Header image is a representative photo depicting a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of Global Catalytic Minitsries.
