-PM underscores the importance of all sides working to secure an inclusive political solution -Discusses evolving situation in Afghanistan with his British, Danish
counterparts
-Delegation of Afghan political leaders meets PM in Islamabad
By Our Diplomatic
Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: “Great responsibility” rests on the Afghan leaders to work constructively together to lead Afghanistan on the path of sustainable peace, stability, and development, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday after the Taliban took over the country in a 10-day lightning offensive.
The premier’s comments came during a meeting with a delegation of political leaders from Afghanistan, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
“No other country is more desirous of peace and stability in Afghanistan than Pakistan,” the premier told the delegation.PM Imran Khan expressed strong support and solidarity for the fraternal people of Afghanistan, linked to the people of Pakistan through immutable bonds of faith, history, geography, culture and kinship, the statement said.
Pakistan has also made it clear that although it welcomes the “peaceful” transfer of power in Afghanistan, it will not take a unilateral decision to recognise the Taliban government, the statement underscored. The prime minister also highlighted the importance of all sides working to secure an inclusive political solution.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, PM Imran Khan assured the delegation of Pakistan’s steadfast support for efforts in this direction. The delegation members thanked the prime minister for his hospitality and appreciated Pakistan’s support for the peace efforts, the statement said. “They emphasised the multi-ethnic nature of Afghan society and the importance of an inclusive dispensation,” it said, adding that the delegation reiterated the desire to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan and his British counterpart Boris Johnson during a telephonic conversation on Tuesday exchanged views on the latest situation in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Khan, who received a telephone call from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, underscored the paramount importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan. He also stressed that ensuring safety, security and respect for rights of all Afghans was critically important.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.
He highlighted the positive role of Pakistan in facilitating evacuation of diplomatic personnel and staff of international organizations and others from Afghanistan.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to remain in contact with respect to the evolving situation in Afghanistan. In the bilateral context, Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted the extensive measures taken by Pakistan to contain the Covid-19, noted that the relevant data had been shared with the UK side, and called for removal of Pakistan from the Red List.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen during a telephonic conversation on Tuesday exchanged views on the evolving situation Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister, who received a telephone call from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, shared Pakistan’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety and security as well as protection of rights of all Afghans. He also underscored the importance of working out an inclusive political settlement.
The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s facilitating role in the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and staff of international organizations and others from Afghanistan, as requested.
The Prime Minister of Denmark thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for Pakistan’s support and assistance in their evacuation endeavours
