Qureshi calls for 'unconditional' humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

Foreign minister says Afghanistan requires 'sustained engagement of the world community, both political and financial'

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday emphasised the need for sustained engagement, renewal of developmental partnerships and provision of "unconditional" humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, FM Qureshi expressed these remarks while discussing the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the sidelines of the 76th session of UN General Assembly in New York.

The foreign minister outlined Pakistan’s efforts in supporting the humanitarian operations in the war-torn country including facilitating the evacuation and relocation of international staff, establishment of a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of relief goods, and in-kind assistance by Pakistan for their Afghan brethren through air and land routes.

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The official statement said that the foreign minister underscored to High Commissioner Grandi the importance of peace and economic stability in Afghanistan, which requires the sustained engagement of the international community, both in terms of political and financial support.

While appreciating the support given by the UNHCR for the welfare of more than 3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the statement said, the foreign minister emphasised the importance of adequate, predictable, regular and sustainable financial contribution from the international community.

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Grandi acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and agreed with the need for increasing the support for the host communities on the principle of international burden and responsibility sharing.

Grandi briefed Qureshi on his recent visit to Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan and Islamabad as well as the steps being taken by the UNHCR to address the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.