Pakistan calls for realistic approach on Afghanistan
MAHMOOD QURESHI HOLDS TALKS WITH FOREIGN MINISTERS OF SIX NATIONS
Pakistan’s foreign minister yesterday called for a “realistic” and “coordinated approach” by neighbouring countries on Afghanistan to ensure regional stability.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s comments came during a virtual meeting of foreign ministers from China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The six neighbouring countries have a direct stake in Afghanistan’s stability and their collective move will be significant to advance the common vision of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and connected region, he said.
“We must affirm our full support to the Afghan people and full commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. Afghan soil should not be allowed to be used against any country,” he said
Closer coordination
Qureshi said he held separate detailed discussions with his counterparts from the five countries in which they agreed on “closer coordination” to help address the common challenges. The key issues that were discussed includes, border security, prevention of terrorism and stemming the spread of extremist elements, the possibility of a fresh influx of refugees, containing drug trafficking and transnational crimes, pandemic challenges and hurdles to regional connectivity.
Peace in Afghanistan vital
Pakistan’s special envoy on Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq earlier said that the neighbouring countries agreed that peace in Afghanistan was vital for the security, stability and prosperity of the entire region. Qureshi affirmed that for the neighbouring countries, peace in Afghanistan means secure borders, end of the threat of terrorism from Afghan soil, possibilities of return of refugees, economic stability and improvement in living standards, realisation of connectivity projects and enhanced regional economic integration.
Prevent humanitarian crisis
Qureshi urged the international community to help prevent a humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan so that “peace can be consolidated and a mass exodus [of refugees] precluded.”
Commenting on the swift developments in Afghanistan, he said all previous assessments and predictions proved wrong as “no one could anticipate the recent turn of events — from the meltdown of security forces to the collapse of the Afghanistan government.” The situation remains complex and fluid, he said, but noted that the “much-dreaded bloodshed has not occurred. The prospect of a protracted conflict and civil war seems to have been averted. The much-feared exodus of refugees has not taken place at least thus far.”
As the world is “grappling with a changed reality in Afghanistan,” Pakistan’s foreign minister said the “The new situation requires discarding old lenses, developing new insights, and proceeding with a realistic and pragmatic approach.”