‘I have initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for an inclusive Afghan govt’: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that he has initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan representing multiple ethnic groups.

In a statement shared on Twitter, the premier wrote, “After meetings in Dushanbe with leaders of Afghanistan’s neighbours and especially a lengthy discussion with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, I have initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for an inclusive Afghan government to include Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks.”

After mtgs in Dushanbe with leaders of Afghanistan's neighbours & especially a lengthy discussion with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, I have initiated a dialogue with the Taliban for an inclusive Afghan govt to include Tajiks, Hazaras & Uzbeks.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 18, 2021

In another tweet, the premier wrote, “After 40 years of conflict, this inclusivity will ensure peace and a stable Afghanistan, which is in the interest not only of Afghanistan but the region as well.”

The prime minister had emphasised the same point during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) summit on Friday.

“The Taliban must fulfill the pledges made, above all for an inclusive political structure where all ethnic groups are represented. This is vital for Afghanistan’s stability,” he had said.

The Afghan Taliban had announced an interim government, comprising 33 members, earlier this month.