ISLAMABAD: The international community must engage in efforts for peace in Afghanistan and not disconnect with the war-torn country, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday.
The statement comes after the Taliban entered Kabul on Sunday having taken control of much of the rest of Afghanistan:
“Pakistan wants that the International community should engage with the situation in Afghanistan and not disconnect [with the country],” Qureshi told reporters in Islamabad after meeting with a delegation of Afghan leaders representing multiple ethnic groups that is visiting Islamabad from August 15-18. “I got a chance to present Pakistan’s point of view and understand their expectations from Pakistan.”
A “suitable” solution to address the situation in Afghanistan was possible through political settlement, the foreign minister said.
In his meeting with the Afghan delegates, Qureshi said South Asia could not afford continued instability in Afghanistan as it would negatively impact the objective of a peaceful and connected region.
“Pakistan considered all segments of the Afghan society important in the final destiny of Afghanistan,” the foreign office quoted him as saying.
Qureshi also expressed hope the Afghan leaders would take advantage of international support for peace and reconciliation and work in the supreme national interest of their country and according to the aspirations of its people.
Emphasizing that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest, he reaffirmed that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role to support a peaceful, united and prosperous Afghanistan.
