ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he will leaveon an official tour to the neighbouring countries (Tuesday) to discuss theevolving situation in Afghanistan.
Talking to the media, Qureshi said that he will visit Tajikistan,Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran to get the stance of Afghanistan’simmediate neighbours on common issues like refugees, trade, and challengesof the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that all possible assistance is being provided for the safeevacuation of foreign nationals, diplomats, media persons, and members ofInternational Non-Governmental Organizations from Afghanistan following theTaliban takeover.
He said so far 542 foreign nationals and 91 Pakistani citizens have beenevacuated through five PIA flights, adding that 56 permissions were grantedto international airlines for overflights.
He said Pakistan is facilitating the movement of evacuees as a facilitationcenter has been set up at Islamabad Airport; besides, establishing a crisiscell at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign minister revealed that on arrival visas are being issued toforeign nationals, coming from Afghanistan. He said that the situation inKabul is calm but there is pressure around the airport as people arescrambling to leave the country.
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He said that the international community has appreciated Pakistan’s rolefor peace in Afghanistan and safe evacuation of foreign nationals fromthere.
He said Pakistan has also assured Saudi Arabia for all possible assistanceand facilitation in the relocation of its embassy from Kabul to Islamabadfor the time being, state broadcaster reported.
Responding to a question, Qureshi said that India is playing a role ofspoiler to deteriorate situation in Afghanistan.
