ISLAMABAD, 16 August 2021, (TON): Pakistan's civil and military leaders will meet today in a hurriedly called session of the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC) to discuss the latest Afghan situation as Taliban are on the cusp of returning to power after being ousted by the US 20 years ago.

The speed and the scale of the Taliban capture of Afghanistan in a matter of a week not just stunned many countries but also Pakistan.

The high-level huddle, according to official sources, will debate the tricky question: should Pakistan recognise Taliban rule if they come to power through a peaceful transition.

Before the formal meeting of the NSC, informal consultations were held on Sunday by the policymakers in view of the fast-paced developments in Afghanistan.

Late night images showed Afghan Taliban entering the presidential palace, hours after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

Reports quoting Taliban said “the group would soon announce the establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

It is believed that Pakistan had been pushing the Afghan Taliban not to use the word “Emirate” for the possible new government to avoid legitimacy problems. However, the Afghan Taliban seem unwilling to pay heed to Pakistan’s suggestion in a first indication that contrary to the perception, they might be taking independent decisions.

Like the US assessment, Pakistan, as per the sources, was not expecting Kabul to fall too quickly.