ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Monday reiterated its call for an inclusive politicalsettlement as the way forward representing all Afghan ethnic groups afterTaliban’s swift return to control in the country.
The statement was issued after a meeting of the National Security Committeewas chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan to deliberate on the emergingsituation in Afghanistan. It was attended by senior cabinet members andservices chiefs.
Participants were briefed on latest developments in Afghanistan and theirpossible impact on Pakistan and the region. The overall security situationin the region was also discussed.
The NSC noted that Pakistan was a victim of the decades long conflict inAfghanistan and therefore desired peace and stability in the neighborhood.It was emphasized that the world must recognize the sacrifices made byPakistan over four decades.
Participants reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to an inclusivepolitical settlement as the way forward representing all Afghan ethnicgroups. It was reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to work with theinternational community and all Afghan stakeholders to facilitate aninclusive political settlement in the country. It was stressed that theprinciple of non-interference in Afghanistan must be adhered to.
The NSC noted positively that major violence had been averted thus far andcalled on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the rule of law, protectfundamental human rights of all Afghans, and ensure that Afghan soil is notused by any terrorist organization/group against any country.
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Prime Minister Imran Khan directed that all possible facilities be madeavailable to repatriate Pakistanis, diplomats, journalists and staff ofinternational organizations seeking to leave Afghanistan. The PrimeMinister lauded the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan embassy in Kabul andthe state machinery in this regard.
The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the conflict in Afghanistan neverhad a military solution. The ideal time to end the conflict throughnegotiations might have been when the US/NATO troops were at maximummilitary strength in Afghanistan. Continuation of foreign military presencefor a longer duration now would not have yielded a different outcome.Therefore, endorsement by the Biden administration of the previous USadministration’s decision of troops withdrawal is indeed a logicalconclusion to this conflict.
It is now time for the international community to work together to ensurean inclusive political settlement for long term peace, security anddevelopment of Afghanistan/ the region.
