Amir's statement about Islamabad being the city Kabul could have become reflects his longing for a vibrant, modern, and peaceful Afghanistan, contrasting with the war-torn reality of Kabul. It suggests a vision of potential development and prosperity that Kabul could have achieved if not for the political turmoil and conflict. This comparison highlights Amir's nostalgia for his homeland and the lost dreams of a brighter future for its people.