Today, October 24, is the United Nations Day and is commemorated amid controversy over Afghanistan’s seat in the UN.  

Afghanistan officially joined United Nations in 1946.  

Following the collapse of the former government, the Islamic Emirate introduced its Doha-based spokesperson Suhail Shahen as Afghanistan’s permanent representative to the UN, but the UN did not accept his appointment.

Ghulam Mohammad Ishaqzai, representative of the former government to the UN, currently represents Afghanistan in the world body.  

Shaheen said that based on international law, Afghanistan’s seat in the UN should be given to the Islamic Emirate.  

“Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations should be given to the Islamic Emirate,” Shaheen said. “Because one of the main conditions is the support of the people--(the Islamic Emirate) has it. It has full control on Afghanistan and it is capable of defending the people and the country.”  

Meanwhile, a number of political analysts said the UN activities in Afghanistan have been influenced by some powerful countries, and (the caretaker govt) authorities have been decreased in making big political decisions.  

“Since 2001, the UN has been active but the efforts of the UN concerned the major US policy toward the world,” said Hamid Misbah, a university lecturer.   

In the meantime, a number of residents of the country believe that the UN role in the current situation of Afghanistan has been limited to humanitarian assistance. 

“A country doesn’t only need financial support but it needs support in the political aspect as well,” said Romal, a university student.  

“The Afghanistan seat in the UN is not occupied and if the UN does not recognize the Taliban, the situation in Afghanistan will deteriorate,” said Mustafa Baryalai, a university student. 

The UN has been created to maintain international peace and security and almost every independent country has a membership.