Hina says global community’s role vital for Afghan peace

State minister says Pakistan has to deal with Afghanistan with broader lens

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Monday emphasised that persistent, patient, and prudent engagement of the international community would go a long way in achieving the shared objectives of a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.

The state minister expressed these views as she participated in an event on ‘Afghanistan: The Path Forward’ at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.

She highlighted that as an immediate neighbour, with a 2,600km border, Pakistan has to deal with Afghanistan with a broader lens that encompasses all dimensions - peace, security, and socioeconomic development, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The state minister said as a country that has constitutional provisions for women to have an equal and effective role in all institutions and walks of life, Pakistan looks towards full respect for and enjoyment of fundamental rights of women and girls, especially the right to education.

"Pakistan is equally concerned about the devastating effects of the serious humanitarian situation and economic implosion on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Afghans," she added.

The state minister underlined that both the international community and the interim Afghan government needed to revisit their approaches by prioritising the interests and aspirations of the ordinary Afghans.

This would be essential to avoid a further exacerbation of the already dire economic situation, she maintained.

Achim Steiner, administrator at the UN Development Programme (UNDP), also delivered remarks at the event as a panelist.

The attendees included representatives from the business community, civil society organisations and international media.