ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday reiterated that Pakistan is committed to an inclusive political solution with representation from all Afghan ethnic groups.
The development came during the meeting of the NSC which was called to deliberate on the emerging situation in Afghanistan – chaired by PM Imran Khan.
Senior cabinet members and service chiefs attended the NSC meeting. The participants were briefed about the latest developments in Afghanistan and their potential impact on Pakistan and the region. The overall security situation in the area was also discussed.
The NSC noted that Pakistan was a victim of the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan and, therefore, wanted peace and stability in the neighbourhood. It was emphasized that the world should recognize the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the last four decades.
It was reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community and all Afghan stakeholders to facilitate an inclusive political solution in the country. In addition, the meeting stressed that the principle of non-intervention in Afghanistan should be followed.
The NSC positively noted that major violence has so far been averted and called on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the rule of law, protect the fundamental human rights of all Afghans and ensure that no terrorist organization or Afghan soil should not be used by the group. any country.
Prime Minister Imran Khan directed that all possible facilities be made available to bring back Pakistanis, diplomats, journalists and employees of international organizations willing to leave Afghanistan. The Prime Minister appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul and the state machinery in this regard.
The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s stand that there was never a military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The ideal time to end the conflict through negotiations might be when US/NATO troops were at maximum military power in Afghanistan.
Continuing a foreign military presence for long periods no longer yields any different results. Therefore, the support by the Biden administration of the previous US administration’s decision to withdraw troops is actually a logical conclusion of this conflict, the NSC said.
The time has come for the international community to work together to ensure an inclusive political solution for the long-term peace, security and development of Afghanistan and the region.
PM Imran, Turkish President discuss the situation in Afghanistan
On Sunday, PM Imran Khan spoke to Turkish President Erdogan, both the leaders reviewed the rapidly developing situation in Afghanistan.
The prime minister told Erdogan that the NSC would meet on Monday to further discuss the evolving situation. The two leaders will again hold discussions to coordinate their efforts after the meeting.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue all efforts in support of an inclusive political solution in Afghanistan.
‘When the time comes, Pakistan will recognize Taliban government’, says FM Qureshi
A day earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had clarified that Pakistan has “no favourites” in Afghanistan and would like to have good relations with its neighbours.
Speaking during a press conference in Islamabad, the foreign minister had said that “when the time comes, Pakistan will recognize the Taliban government in accordance with international consensus, ground reality and Pakistan’s national interests.”
“Pakistan agrees that there should be no military solution to the Afghan issue and seeks to resolve all problems through dialogue,” he said. He said the country’s agenda is to see Afghanistan’s development and prosperity.
Qureshi had said that he would soon discuss the Afghan issue with the leadership of neighboring countries including China, Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, adding that India should also work to resolve the Afghan issue.
He had said that the situation in Afghanistan is changing rapidly, although Pakistan’s embassy in the country is functioning normally.
“Pakistan has always played the role of a facilitator in Afghanistan and will continue to do so,” Qureshi said. “This is our neighboring country, so we want to establish good relations with it.”
At the end of his press briefing, FM Qureshi had said that the Afghan leadership should work together to find a solution that will save the lives as well as property of the Afghan people.
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