• Rashid says visa on arrival will be issued to those coming from Kabul
• Qureshi to visit countries to build consensus
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet will take a decision on recognizing the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Ahmed said that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan.
“We are advocates of peace and we will not allow our land to be used against any other country,” he said. At the same time, we will not allow anyone else’s land to be used against us.
Rejecting the baseless propaganda emanating from New Delhi, he said there was complete peace and tranquility on the Torkham and Chaman borders, which were open for trade and transit, adding that efforts to scapegoat Pakistan had failed. .
The minister said that on the instructions of the Prime Minister, visa on arrival will be issued to those coming from Afghanistan.
He said that 613 Pakistani nationals and 900 foreign diplomats and embassy staff have been brought to the country since August 14.
“Pakistan has played an important role in bringing the US and the Taliban to the negotiating table,” he said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi informed his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday that he would visit various countries to develop a “regional consensus on the emerging situation in Afghanistan”.
A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said Mr. Qureshi shared details of his upcoming visits with Mr. Wang during a telephone call, adding that the two foreign ministers were in touch on common interests, particularly the situation in Afghanistan. agreed to stay.
“A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is of utmost importance to Pakistan and the entire region,” Qureshi was quoted as saying in the statement.
In the light of this observation, the External Affairs Minister said that Pakistan is strongly supporting the Afghan peace process and the important initiatives undertaken by China and Pakistan as part of the Troika Plus to support the initiative to restore peace in the war-torn country. acknowledges the contribution.
He further stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of Afghan citizens and their rights. Mr. Qureshi also called on the international community to continue its support for the people of Afghanistan, especially the provision of economic assistance.
In addition, the statement said, Mr. Qureshi apprised Mr. Wang of Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the evacuation of diplomatic staff, journalists and others from Afghanistan.
Discussing bilateral relations between China and Pakistan, Mr. Qureshi termed the two countries as “iron-clad brothers” and strategic partners.
Published in Dawn, August 19, 2021
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