Nato withdrawal: Envoy urges against security vacuum

A Pakistani diplomat has underscored the need to ensure that the draw-down of international forces from Afghanistan.

UNITED NATIONS: A top Pakistani diplomat has underscored the need to ensure that the draw-down of international forces from Afghanistan does not lead to a security vacuum, while reaffirming Islamabad’s support to an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process during a debate on Afghanistan at the UN’s Security Council.

Pakistan, he said, would not choose sides or interfere in Afghan affairs, nor should any other State. He also said Pakistan has appealed to the Taliban to enter into dialogue with the Afghan government. “Our leadership, at the highest level, remains engaged with Afghan High Peace Council, which is making commendable efforts for peace under the leadership of Salahuddin Rabbani,” he added. While Pakistan had renewed the legal status of Afghan refugees to the end of 2015, it would not be able to absorb fresh inflows. The two countries must secure their border through effective management and real-time communication, including more contacts between their armed forces and intelligence agencies, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2013.