Jalalabad consulate: Afghan FM assures of 'positive outcome'

Pakistan to continue issuing visas to patients and students residing in the consulate's jurisdiction

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday expressed concern at the closure of the country's consulate in the Afghan city of Jalalabad and was assured by his Afghan counterpart of a "positive outcome" in the matter.

Qureshi requested the Afghan foreign minister, Salahuddin Rabbani, during a telephonic conversation, to restore security arrangements allowing the consulate general to resume routine activities, said the statement released by the Foreign Office (FO).

"The issue of closure of the Pakistan Consulate General in Jalalabad due to a security crisis was also discussed. Mr. Qureshi requested the Afghan Government for restoring the previous security arrangements existing till 28th August 2018, so that the Consulate General’s normal functioning could be resumed at the earliest," added the statement.

The FO added that Pakistan will continue to issue visas to patients and students residing in the jurisdiction of the Jalalabad consulate as an emergency measure.



Both countries also reiterated efforts to strengthen Pak-Afghan bilateral ties as Rabbani congratulated Qureshi on assuming charges as foreign minister. During the conversation, the foreign minister also noted peace and prosperity of the two neighbouring countries was interlinked and highlighted “the need to work together for achieving lasting regional peace.”

"Both sides appreciated recent improvement in relations since the launch of APAPPS process in May 2018. It was noted that the framework provided the most comprehensive institutional mechanism to discuss all mutual issues. The two leaders agreed that the next round of APAPPS would be soon held in Islamabad. They also welcomed the holding of joint Pak-Afghan Ulema Conference in Islamabad, the dates for which are being finalised," added FO.

FM Qureshi, during the conversation, also accepted an invitation by his Afghan counterpart to visit Afghanistan.

The Pakistani embassy in Kabul had earlier closed down the country’s consulate in Jalalabad in protest against the interference of local officials in the activities of the diplomatic office.