PM calls for preventing Afghanistan from economic collapse by releasing frozen assets

Premier Imran urges the international community to remain 'positively engaged' with the new Afghan administration

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed upon the international community to remain positively engaged with the new Afghan administration and take steps to prevent economic collapse including through the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the premier expressed these remarks during a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda. He underscored the high importance Pakistan attached to its relationship with Japan, which was embedded in mutual trust and understanding.

The statement said that PM Imran reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong desire to further deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation with Japan in the economic, trade, development, and investment sectors.

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In the regional context, the premier underscored Pakistan’s vital interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He stressed that the international community must remain positively engaged with the new Afghan administration, provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance, and take steps to prevent economic collapse including through the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets.

PM Imran also underlined the importance of national reconciliation and an inclusive political structure. The Japanese ambassador thanked the prime minister for his strong leadership in further solidifying Pakistan’s relations with Japan and in support of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

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The PMO said that the ambassador also conveyed profound thanks to the government of Pakistan for the facilitation of the evacuation of Japanese nationals and others from Afghanistan.

Ambassador Matsuda also highlighted the MoU signed between the two sides on the export of manpower from Pakistan to Japan under the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) Programme. It was emphasised to re-double efforts to realise the benefits of the MoU.

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PM Imran congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his tenure in Pakistan and conveyed best wishes for future assignments.

The ambassador thanked the prime minister for addressing a letter to the new prime minister of Japan Fumio Kishida and recalled the prime minister’s engagement with the Japanese dignitaries on various issues, it added.

The official statement also said that the year 2022 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Japan. The two sides envisage the celebration of this milestone in a befitting manner, it added.