ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said during weekly Press Briefing to media at Foreign Office here on Friday that Pakistan have noted the latest announcement about formation of interim political set-up in Kabul, which would address the requirement of a governance structure to meet the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan. We hope that the new political dispensation will ensure coordinated efforts for peace, security and stability in Afghanistan as well as work towards taking care of humanitarian and development needs of the Afghan people.
Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to a peaceful, stable, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan.
In pursuance of the above position and in continuation of our constructive role and engagement, primarily keeping the interest of the Afghan people upfront, the Government of Pakistan has decided to dispatch humanitarian assistance comprising food and medicines for the people of Afghanistan. First flight carrying such assistance reached Kabul yesterday, and another in Kandahar today. Another flight is expected. Further supplies would continue through land routes. This is a practical manifestation of our commitment to assist our Afghan brothers and sisters.
Pakistan also expect the international community would play its due role in helping address the urgent needs of the Afghan people in order to avert a humanitarian crisis.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson further said that, Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Afghanistan continue to function. In the days leading up to the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan provided critical support to the multinational evacuation effort from Afghanistan both from Kabul airport, and across the land border.
On the larger plane, Pakistan has continued proactive diplomacy in recent weeks, interacting with a host of partners in the region and beyond. The objective – to exchange views and coordinate positions on the best way forward to help ensure sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan, which is a shared objective of the international community.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has spoken to 13 world leaders since 15 August, the most recent interactions being with the Emir of Qatar, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and the Crown Prince of UAE, besides the UN Secretary General.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has had 25 telephonic conversations with his counterparts since 15 August. This includes Foreign Ministers of Austria, Slovenia, Iran, Poland and Romania and the Kenyan Defence Minister since my last briefing.
And we have had 6 visits of Foreign Ministers in recent days – Starting with Germany, we had the Dutch, British, Italian, Qatari Ministers, and the Spanish FM earlier today. These visits provided an opportunity to renew bilateral contacts, and coordinate positions on regional issues. Pakistan’s support for evacuation efforts and overall constructive role on Afghanistan – as a key stabilizing and positive factor – were appreciated during these interactions.
A particular focus of our diplomatic outreach and engagement has been with the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, who naturally have important stakes in the situation and a common desire for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
Following the Foreign Minister’s visit to the region last month, a meeting of the Special Representatives and Envoys of the six neighbouring countries convened by Pakistan was held virtually on 5th September.
Building on that, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi chaired the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Afghan Issue Among the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan via video link on 8 September, which was attended by his counterparts from China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The meeting reviewed the evolving situation in Afghanistan to address common challenges and realize emerging opportunities to ensure regional stability and prosperity. A Joint Statement was issued as the outcome of the Ministerial Meeting. It was agreed to continue meetings of the Foreign Ministers of countries neighbouring Afghanistan on a rotating basis, with the next meeting to be held in Tehran, and was also agreed to set up a mechanism of regular consultations of their Special Envoys (Special Representatives) for Afghanistan.
Also on 8th September, Foreign Minister Qureshi participated in the Ministerial Coordination Session hosted by Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Maas and shared Pakistan’s perspective.
As the situation in Afghanistan is at a critical juncture, and responsible members of the international community are engaged in deliberating the best way forward, it is extremely deplorable that certain spoilers and detractors, the same known actors, remain busy in peddling false narratives and disinformation, which by the way already stood busted and discredited by various sources.
Motivated stories recently carried by certain segments in the international media, alluding to Pakistan’s “involvement” in Panjshir are categorically rejected. These allegations are part of a mischievous propaganda campaign, led by Indian media’s fake news that has been thoroughly exposed. These malicious allegations were part of a desperate attempt to malign Pakistan and to mislead the international community. But they will not succeed. Pakistan has repeatedly alerted the international community about the negative and harmful role of such spoilers.
FO Spokesperson said that let me once again reiterate that right now all energies must be focused on ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. That requires continued positive engagement of the international community.
