ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that continued security and resolute counter-terrorism actions, respect for rights of all Afghans and inclusivity in governance and politics would further contribute to Afghanistan’s stability.

The prime minister, during a meeting with acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi, hoped that the interim Afghan government would continue to constructively engage the international community and keep on taking positive measures to address the prevailing challenges.

Mr Muttaqi was accompanied by Afghanistan’s acting ministers for finance and industry and commerce and other senior members of his delegation.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to the Afghan people in overcoming dire challenges being faced by their country.

He stressed the importance of a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous and connected Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region.

He said that Pakistan had been consistently calling for immediate provision of humanitarian relief for Afghanistan.

The prime minister also underscored the urgent need to release Afghanistan’s frozen assets and facilitation of banking transactions to prevent an economic meltdown.

Mr Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to stand by the Afghan people by extending all possible support, including humanitarian assistance-in-kind, to help them withstand coming winter season.

In addition to the assistance already extended, he said, Pakistan would provide essential food items, including wheat and rice, emergency medical supplies and shelter items to Afghanistan.

The prime minister said that in the current context Pakistan would favourably consider the request by Afghan brothers for transportation of wheat offered by India through Pakistan on exceptional basis for humanitarian purposes and as per modalities to be worked out.

He emphasised the importance for Pakistan and Afghanistan to work together to facilitate movement of people, trade and regional connectivity for promotion of progress and prosperity in the region.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2021