ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has noted that the then Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was the biggest hurdle in the way of intra-Afghan dialogue, regretting that his views were given undue importance during Doha talks for a year.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera on situation in Afghanistan, the foreign minister said Pakistan was in favour of talks and withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan going concurrently, but the decision to pull out troops had unilaterally been taken in haste.

He ruled out possibility of Pakistan unilaterally recognising Taliban government in Afghanistan.

The foreign minister’s remarks surfaced amid reports that he would be visiting Afghanistan today (Sunday). Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, when contacted, neither confirmed nor denied the reports about the FM’s visit to Kabul and simply said: “I do not know”.

Discusses Afghan peace efforts with Russian, Turkish, German, Belgian and Dutch counterparts

Earlier while highlighting the significance of efforts towards establishing an inclusive government, Mr Qureshi also warned about spoilers within and outside Afghanistan seeking to exploit the situation.

He warned about the spoilers during a phone conversation with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen.

According to a statement issued by the FO, Mr Qureshi said Pakistan would continue to play its constructive role in promoting sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan. He reiterated the hope that Afghan parties would work for an inclusive political settlement. “The success of negotiations in Kabul would not only benefit Afghanistan but also the region,” he added.

It was important for the Muslim world to show its solidarity with Afghan people in their quest for a “peaceful, united, stable and prosperous Afghanistan”, he added.

He expressed the hope that the talks in Kabul would succeed, leading to an inclusive and participatory government that would bring lasting peace, progress and prosperity to Afghanistan.

The OIC secretary general apprised the foreign minister of an “extraordinary meeting” of the organisation convened on August 22 (Sunday) to discuss the rapidly changing Afghan situation.

In separate phone calls on Saturday, Mr Qureshi also discussed the situation in Afghanistan with his Russian, Turkish, German, Belgian and Dutch counterparts.

In his talk with the Russian foreign minister, Mr Qureshi said a “peaceful and stable” Afghanistan was “extremely important” not just for Pakistan but also for the region.

He noted that Pakistan and Russia being a part of the “Troika Plus” — which includes Pakistan, the US, Russia and China — played a pivotal role in establishing peace in Afghanistan.

The two sides also agreed to continue mutual consultations in view of the changing situation in Afghanistan.

Mr Qureshi highlighted that Pakistan had deep bilateral relations with Russia, adding that Pakistan was committed to the early implementation of the Stream Gas Pipeline Project, a flagship strategic venture between the countries for gas transportation from Karachi to Kasur.

Speaking to his Turkish counterpart, Mr Qureshi said President Arif Alvi’s recent visit to Turkey had further strengthened bilateral cooperation. He underlined the importance of an inclusive political solution as the best way forward, the FO said.

Mr Qureshi also received a call from Heiko Maas, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany.

While discussing latest developments in Afghanistan, FM Qureshi said inclusive political settlement was the best way forward and Pakistan supported efforts in that direction.

He invited the German foreign minister to visit Pakistan to carry forward the process of substantive engagement between the two countries and close consultations on the Afghanistan issue.

Mr Qureshi also received a call from Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes and exchanged views with her on the unfolding situation in Afghanistan.

Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag also called Mr Qureshi. The two ministers noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte had an exchange of views on August 19.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2021