• Discusses situation with Saudi, Qatar’s and UAE leaders
• Pakistan hosts virtual meeting of six nations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called upon the world community to provide economic support to the people of Afghanistan and help them rebuild the war-torn country.

Prime Minister Khan during separate phone conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed called for addressing dire humanitarian needs and stabilising economy of Afghanistan, according to an official announcement made by the PM Office.

It said the prime minister exchanged views with the leaders on the issues of bilateral interest as well as regional developments, particularly the latest situation in Afghanistan after Kabul’s takeover by the Taliban.

In his talk with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Zayed, who is also UAE’s Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander, Mr Khan reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attached to its strong fraternal ties with the UAE and close cooperation between the two countries.

On the latest situation in Afghanistan, he underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in vital interest of Pakistan and the region. An inclusive political settlement was the best way forward to ensure safety and security as well as protection of the rights of the people of Afghanistan, he said.

PM Khan underscored that the world community must remain engaged in order to support the Afghan people economically and to help rebuild the country. The international community must address the dire humanitarian needs and ensure economic stability of Afghanistan, he emphasised.

Mr Khan congratulated the Abu Dhabi crown prince for making excellent arrangements for the upcoming Expo-2020. He conveyed his best wishes for the resounding success of the event.

The two leaders agreed to work together to enhance collaboration in all areas of common interest.

While talking to Crown Prince Salman, who is also Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Mr Khan conveyed warm wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to fortify the historic fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia.

The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recalling the two recent initiatives announced by the Saudi crown prince to tackle adverse impact of climate change and environmental degradation, he thanked the Saudi leader for inviting him to attend the launch of the Middle East Green Initiative in Riyadh in October.

The two sides had a detailed discussion on the latest situation in Afghanistan.

The prime minister and the Saudi crown prince agreed that the international community had the responsibility to stand by the Afghan people and step up its engagement in order to avert any humanitarian and refugee crises. They agreed on the importance of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

Both leaders also agreed to work together to augment and diversify bilateral ties in all spheres.

During his telephonic conversation with Emir Sheikh Al Thani, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to boost political and economic partnership with Qatar. He particularly appreciated Qatar’s assistance to Pakistan during the pandemic and the care afforded to more than 200,000 Pakistani expatriates working for progress and development of both countries.

The prime minister said after 40 years of conflict and instability in Afghanistan, there is an opportunity to establish lasting peace in the war-torn country.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral matters as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Virtual meeting

In a related development on Sunday, Pakistan hosted a virtual meeting of special representatives and envoys of countries neighbouring Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq presided over the session.

According to a handout issued by the Foreign Office, representatives of China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exchanged views on the latest situation in Afghanistan.

Welcoming his counterparts, Mr Sadiq highlighted the importance of evolving a regional approach to address common challenges and to realise the new opportunities arising from a stable Afghanistan. He said a prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan would provide impetus to economic integration, strong people-to-people linkages, enhanced trade and regional connectivity.

The special representatives and envoys agreed to remain in close contact.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2021