Taliban govt hopes election of PM Shehbaz would strengthen ties

Afghan PM felicitates Shehbaz, sends good wishes for well-being of Pakistanis and assures 'comprehensive relations'

The head of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Mullah Mohammad Hasan, expressed the hope on Friday the election of Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister of Pakistan would strengthen the relations between the two neighbours.

In a statement, the Afghan prime minister sent his good wishes for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Pakistan. He assured that the “comprehensive relations between the two brotherly nations and the Muslim neighbouring countries” would be enhanced and strengthened.

“On behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your appointment as the 23rd Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the head of the Taliban council of ministers, said in the statement.

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“Your appointment (as the prime minister) is a good and valuable step,” he said, adding that he hoped “it will strengthen bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan and lead to the development, prosperity and good relations between the two brotherly nations”.

On behalf of the Afghanistan government, Mullah Hasan said, “I would like to assure you that good and comprehensive relations between the two brotherly nations and the Muslim neighbouring countries would be further enhanced and strengthened.”