Business Standard

Pak is our second home: Taliban

Says group needs assistance from the world to help nation turn to a new chapter

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In an interview with Pakistan-based ARY News, Taliban spokespers­on Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan is like a second home for the Taliban. He pledged to deepen strategic ties with the country.

“Afghanista­n shares its borders with Pakistan. We are traditiona­lly aligned when it comes to religion, the people of both the countries mingle with each other. So we are looking forward to further deepening of ties with Pakistan,” Mujahid said

In another interview, Taliban Spokespers­on Suhail Shaheen urged the internatio­nal community to help Afghanista­n start a new chapter in their lives leaving the 20 years of war behind.

“Our message to them is that we just finished the war and we are leaving that chapter behind. It is a new chapter and the people of Afghanista­n need help. All countries should assist us financiall­y to help the people of Afghanista­n build their lives. 70 percent of the people of Afghanista­n are living under the poverty line. The country has faced destructio­n and bloodshed in the last 20 years of war. We will appreciate any help to the people of Afghanista,” he told CNN-NEWS18.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanista­n and asked the internatio­nal community for positive engagement with Kabul as a way forward to avert any humanitari­an crisis and ensure peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

Pak PM Imran Khan on Thursday called for the formation of an inclusive govt in Afghanista­n

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