Qureshi stresses 'broad-based' political settlement in Afghanistan

FM meets Afghan leaders; terms dialogue the only way forward

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the Afghan leadership on Monday to ensure a broad-based and comprehensive political settlement of the Afghan issue.

The minister made these remarks as he met the a delegation of Afghan leaders in Islamabad today, Radio Pakistan reported.

Qureshi called upon all stakeholders to work in a united manner for a better future for the war-stricken country and the region.

Today’s meeting with a political delegation of Afghanistan’s leaders led by Muhammad Younas Qanooni, all of whom have a vital stake in the country’s future, took place at an extremely critical time. Our ultimate objective is a peaceful, united, democratic, stable & prosperous 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/YFgD0LKmP8

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 16, 2021

He emphasised that Pakistan wants a peaceful, united, democratic, stable and prosperous neighbour.

According to the minister, a comprehensive political dialogue is the only way to resolve the issue and added that Pakistan is committed to playing a constructive and reconciliatory role in this regard.

He hoped that the entire Afghan leadership will initiate efforts for durable peace in the larger national interest.

Qureshi noted that all segments of Afghan society are equally important in achieving the cherished goal of peace. He also stressed the need to "continuously monitor the anti-peace elements trying to mislead the world about Pakistan's reconciliatory role, which has won global acknowledgement.

The minister urged the international community to come forward and extend its economic assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

Read Civil-military huddle today to discuss Kabul takeover

Earlier today, Foreign Office said that it was imperative for Afghan leaders to work together to address the evolving situation "and craft a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan".

The spokesperson said Islamabad continued to “closely follow the developments in the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan”.

He further said that Pakistan has consistently emphasised that a political solution is "indispensable" to resolve the situation, adding that Islamabad will continue to play its constructive role in promoting this goal.

According to the statement, achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and bringing an end to the four-decade-long conflict was a shared responsibility of the international community.

“We hope that our collective efforts will help bring lasting peace, progress and prosperity to Afghanistan,” he added.

The Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan over after taking control of the presidential palace in Kabul while Western nations scrambled on Monday to evacuate their citizens amid chaos at the airport as frantic Afghans searched for a way out.