DM Monitoring
NEW YORK: Pakistan’s permanent representative in the United Nations (UN) Munir Akram stated that there was no scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and U.S. President Joe Biden during the UN conference.
Speaking in an interview with a US broadcaster, Munir Akram said: “Engagement with the Afghan Taliban is necessary despite differences on many issues. We have many issues with the government, but our relation is with the people of Afghanistan.”
“We have a comprehensive policy with regard to Afghanistan and we will continue to pursue this policy. We want to help the people of Afghanistan and correct the mistakes of their government.
“We are taking action what we deem necessary for our security. We will work to resolve issues with the Afghan government. Geography is not going to change.
“We have to keep relations with our neighbours. There is no change in relations between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said.
Munir Akram said no meeting was planned between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Joe Biden at the sideline of the UN Session, adding the PM would address UN General Assembly and Security Council and meet the heads of important countries.
He emphasised that terrorist group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is rapidly expanding its influence with the support of the Afghan interim government.
Backed by the Taliban, these terrorists are equipped with advanced weaponry and increasingly collaborate with other insurgent factions, including secessionist groups like the Majeed Brigade.
Pakistan fears that the TTP’s growing alliance with Al-Qaeda could soon elevate it to a central role in regional and global terrorist activities.
The ambassador also stressed Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with regional and international bodies to curb this growing menace, as Islamabad continues its nationwide crackdown on Fitna al-Khawarij.
Furthermore, the ambassador criticised the Afghan interim government for its ongoing human rights abuses, particularly against women and girls.
He condemned Kabul’s failure to uphold promises regarding gender equality, highlighting that these regressive policies not only contravene Islamic values but also hinder Afghanistan’s potential for international engagement.
