ISLAMABAD: Observing that the region could not afford continued instability in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has asked all parties in Afghanistan to grasp the historic opportunity for finding an inclusive and comprehensive political solution to the crisis.

Talking to an Afghan delegation which called on him here on Monday, the foreign minister noted that uncertainty in Afghanistan would negatively impact the objective of a peaceful and connected region. He said Pakistan considered all segments of Afghan society important in the final destiny of Afghanistan.

He expressed the hope that Afghan leaders would take advantage of international support for peace and reconciliation and work together to deal with the evolving situation in Afghanistan in the supreme national interest of the country and according to the aspiration of its people.

Mr Qureshi said the international community’s continued engagement in the efforts for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan would be important as it was a shared responsibility. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to play its constructive role in supporting a peaceful, united and prosperous Afghanistan.

Senate body urges govt to take parliament into confidence on evolving situation

The delegation comprising representatives from all ethnic groups appreciated the invitation for consultation on the latest situation in Afghanistan and acknowledged Pakistan’s facilitative role. They underscored commitment to forge long-term relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and expand the fraternal ties in all areas.

The foreign minister was quoted as saying during the meeting that Pakistan’s aim was to continue working for a peaceful, united, democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. He reiterated that Pakistan saw “comprehensive dialogue” as the only way for a political solution in Afghanistan. “We do not want Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries to face the effects of turmoil and chaos over there,” he said while talking to reporters later.

The foreign minister said a vigilant eye would have to be kept on elements trying to distort the image of Pakistan and undermining its role in the peace process, which had been recognised internationally.

Danish FM calls Qureshi

Foreign Minister Qureshi received a telephone call from Danish counterpart Jeppe Kofod on Monday and reviewed the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan.

He apprised the Danish foreign minister of Pakistan’s efforts and commitment to fully facilitate the evacuation of staff of diplomatic missions, international organisations, media and others from Afghanistan.

On Danish government’s request, Pakistan facilitated the evacuation of 431 Afghan nationals from Kabul last night and is also assisting in their onward travel to Denmark.

Foreign Minister Kofod conveyed profound appreciation of the Danish government for Pakistan’s assistance in this critical hour.

Mr Qureshi appreciated the Danish government’s keenness in forging the Green Partnership agreement with Pakistan and hoped for its early conclusion. He urged the Danish government to review its travel advisory for Pakistan considering the improved security situation in the country.

Peaceful political transition

The Senate Standing Committee on Defence, which met with Senator Mushahid Hussain in the chair, said Pakistan supported unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan and had a desire to promote a peaceful political transition there through an inclusive broad-based consensus so that a new civil war could be prevented.

It said the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to destabilise any neighbouring country or used as a base for cross-border terrorism against Pakistan, as happened in the recent past. The Senate committee urged the government to take parliament into confidence by immediately convening a joint session to discuss the situation and propose a way forward so that Pakistan and Afghanistan could be partners in peace and progress.

The senators also urged the government to take effective measures to prevent regional spoilers like India from taking advantage of the situation in Afghanistan to the detriment of peace in the region and the security of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed the diplomatic corps in Islamabad on the arrangements made by the government to facilitate the evacuation of members of the international community, including diplomats and staff, representatives of international organisations, INGOs and media, from Afghanistan. They were told that all requests for evacuation/relocation might be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which would be processed expeditiously.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2021