ISLAMABAD: Afghanis­tan’s Acting Deputy Infor­mation Minister Zabihullah Mujahid on Sunday appreciated Pakistan for supporting Kabul before the international community.

In an interview to Pakistan Television, he said Islamabad had called upon the international community to establish better ties with Kabul.

“Pakistan is our neighbouring country and Afghanistan is thankful for Pakistan’s stance regarding Afghanistan,” he added.

The minister said Afghanistan wanted good relations with the international community and desired to expand trade and economic ties. “We hope that neighbouring countries will continue to extend support to Afghanistan before the international community.”

Mr Mujahid said many countries had raised voice in Afghanistan’s favour before the international community and the United States.

Qatar, Uzbekistan and other countries had also adopted a positive stance towards Afghanistan, he said, adding that six days ago China and Russia talked in our favour at the United Nations General Assembly.

The relations of Afghanistan with its neighbours and the international community were important, he noted.

The minister said war had ended in Panjshir and “we do not desire war with anybody”.

Time had come that the Afghan nation should work for progress and prosperity of their country, he added.

He said after peace in Afghanistan “our priority is to expand trade with other countries”.

Mr Mujahid warned that if any group would attack Afghanistan or fight with the government, action would be taken. He said Afghanistan would be further connected by road to Peshawar and different cities of Pakistan.

In reply to a question, he said the desecration of Pakistani flag at the Afghan border was an unfortunate incident.

The minister assured that action would be taken against anybody who would damage relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In reply to another question, he said if an invitation was extended to the Afghan leadership for a visit to Pakistan, it would be considered.

He said the Afghan government condemned the human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister said his government would continue to provide diplomatic and political support to oppressed Muslims in different parts of the world.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2021