‘We will continue to support a stable, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan’: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan will continue to support a stable, sovereign, and prosperous Afghanistan. He was addressing the 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit in Tajikistan.

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“Pakistan had suffered a lot due to the spillover of conflict and instability in the neighbouring country [Afghanistan]”, he said.

Moreover, he urged the international community to stand with the Afghans as it is a rare opportunity that the 40 years war has finally ended and this moment should not be squandered. He commended the United Nations secretary-general and UN agencies for mobilising support for ‘humanitarian assistance’.

PM Imran said, “A new reality had been established after the Taliban’s takeover and withdrawal of foreign troops. That all this happened without bloodshed, without civil war, and without a mass exodus of refugees, should be a matter of relief. It is now in the international community’s collective interest to ensure that there is no renewed conflict in Afghanistan and the security situation is stabilised.”

We must remember that the previous govt [Ashraf Ghani’s] depended heavily on foreign aid and its removal could lead to economic collapse.”

‘Taliban must fulfil promises’

“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,” PM said.

Furthermore, Khan added that it is also important for the Taliban to ensure respect for the rights of all Afghans make sure that the country is never again a safe haven for terrorists.

Talking about terrorism threats

While talking about the 9/11 incident, PM Imran said, “Associating one religion with terrorism has enabled far right, populist and supremacist groups around the world to propagate, multiply and accumulate influence.”

He assured that Pakistan will continue to be a reliable and willing partner of the international community in the fight against terrorism and extremism. According to him, addressing threats to international and regional peace is a topic of vital interest for the SCO.

Proposed a five-point way forward

“We must also advance the agenda of regional connectivity. In this regard, taking the process forward, Pakistan would like to host a conference on the theme ‘Transport Connectivity for Regional Prosperity’ in a virtual mode in 2022,” the premier announced.

Imran Khan arrived in Tajikistan on Thursday for a two-day visit and was received by Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzod at the airport.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry were also present alongside the PM.