Pakistan's role in Kabul evacuations acknowledged as US completes withdrawal
Sen. Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD) prior to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington March 7, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
US Senator Van Hollen on Tuesday acknowledged and thanked Pakistan for supporting the US evacuation efforts from Afghanistan as Washington completed its withdrawal from the war-stricken country.
"Even as the last US troops leave Afghanistan I'll continue to do everything in my power to bring home all Americans & provide asylum to our Afghan partners endangered by their support to the US," Sen Hollen posted on Twitter
"Also thankful to Qatar, UAE, Pakistan, Kuwait & many others supporting evacuation efforts," he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Dr Asad Majeed Khan also called the senator and shared the Islamabad's perspective on the urgency of securing an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.
Also read Pakistan takes centre stage in West’s evacuation effort
"Had a good call with Senator @ChrisVanHollen today. Briefed Sen. Van Hollen on Pakistan’s support for evacuations of US, Afghan and other nationals from Afghanistan," said Dr Asad said on the micro-blogging website.
"Shared Pakistan’s perspective on the urgency of securing an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan," he added.
On August 16, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the Afghan leadership to ensure a broad-based and comprehensive political settlement of the Afghan issue.
The minister made these remarks as he met a delegation of Afghan leaders in Islamabad.
Qureshi called upon all stakeholders to work in a united manner for a better future for the war-stricken country and the region.
Taliban seized Kabul on August 15, two weeks before the deadline for the withdrawal of American forces from the country. The fall of the capital city triggered a wave of panic among foreigners as well some locals, who rushed to Kabul airport – the only escape route from the country.