World must support Afghanistan economically, nation-building: PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan is closely following developments in Afghanistan and in touch with regional and international partners.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO), the premier expressed these remarks during a telephone call from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday.

The statement said that PM Imran stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is critically important for Pakistan and the region. He further underscored that safety and security as well as protection of the rights of all Afghans is critically important.

The premier also said that an inclusive political settlement is the best way forward. It is equally essential for the world community to stay engaged in order to support the people of Afghanistan, economically and to help rebuild, he added.

Read more: PIA evacuates 1,100 people from Kabul amid Afghan crisis

PM Imran highlighted that Pakistan is facilitating the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and staff of international organisations and others from Afghanistan, as requested.

The Dutch premier conveyed thanks for Pakistan’s support and facilitation for their evacuation endeavours. Both the leaders also agreed to further enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries in various fields, the PMO statement further said.

The development comes as Pakistan International Airline (PIA) managed to evacuate nearly 1,100 people from Kabul despite uncertainty shrouding the neighbouring country.

According to an official, the PIA had evacuated nearly 1,100 people from Kabul after which the airport was run over by the crowd and all airport set up got dismantled.

The evacuation operation started after the panic among the foreign missions and a number of world institutions and companies stationed in Kabul, desiring to leave the country.

The Pakistan Embassy in Afghanistan immediately contacted the PIA which started planning flights to Kabul to assist with the repatriation mission.

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The PIA was also approached by the US nationals, missions of the Philippines, Canada, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands, besides other world institutions, international news agencies, asking for capacity and schedule to evacuate their people.

A day earlier, PM Imran discussed the situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban's quick seizure of Kabul with world leaders.

Speaking with British PM Boris Johnson on the phone, the premier underscored the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan.

He also stressed the need for ensuring the safety, security and respect for rights of all Afghans.

The premier also received a telephone call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan.

PM Imran underscored the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region.

He also stressed the need for safety and security as well as protection of the rights of all Afghans.

In a telephonic conversation with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, PM Imran shared Pakistan's perspective, emphasising the importance of ensuring safety and security as well as protection of rights of all Afghans.

He also underscored the importance of working out an inclusive political settlement.