Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday stated that for humanitarian purposes, Pakistan would “favourably” consider the request by the Taliban government in Afghanistan for transporting wheat offered by India through the country on an “exceptional basis”
PM Imran expressed his views while speaking to a delegation led by Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to a handout issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
The interim FM of Afghanistan, Muttaqi who is currently visiting Pakistan on a three-day visit was accompanied by the acting ministers of finance, industry and commerce as well as other senior members of the Afghan delegation.
The PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to Afghanistan in overcoming the challenges being faced by the Afghan people, while stressing upon the significance of a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous and connected Afghanistan for Pakistan and the wider region.
The PM said that Pakistan would provide essential food items including wheat and rice, emergency medical supplies and shelter items for Afghanistan, in addition to the assistance already extended.
As per the PMO statement, the PM further stressed that “continued security and resolute counter-terrorism actions, respect for rights of all Afghans, and inclusivity in governance and politics would further contribute to Afghanistan’s stability”
The prime minister also emphasised the importance for the two countries to work together to facilitate the movement of people, trade, transit and regional connectivity in an effort to promote progress and prosperity in the region.
Commenting on Pak-Afghan relations, PM Imran reiterated Islamabad’s resolve to stand by the Afghan people by extending all possible support, including humanitarian assistance in-kind, to withstand the coming winter season.
He also expressed the hope that the interim Afghan government would continue to “constructively engage” the international community and would keep on taking positive measures to address prevailing challenges, the statement added.
“Pakistan has been consistently calling for provision of immediate humanitarian relief for Afghanistan,” the statement quoted the premier as saying.
He also underscored the urgent need to release Afghanistan’s frozen assets and facilitate banking transactions to prevent an economic meltdown.
Earlier in the day, the PM acknowledged the “crucial role” of Troika Plus in resolving Afghan issues.
It is to note that Troika Plus is a group of Pakistan, China, and the United States on Afghanistan.
The PM’s remarks came amid a meeting with the special envoys of the Troika Plus who called on him a day after their meeting in Islamabad on the Afghan issue.
The PM, during the meeting lauded the special envoys for a “successful” moot in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
“The prime minister said he had consistently stressed that there was no military solution in Afghanistan. As such, Pakistan had all along supported an inclusive political settlement.”
As per the statement, the PM underlined the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for the security and prosperity of the entire region.
The statement further revealed that the importance of inclusivity, human rights and counter-terrorism operations in the wake of Kabul’s takeover by the Taliban was also underscored by the premier.
As per the statement, the premier laid a strong emphasis on the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance as well as economic support to Afghanistan to avert the twin challenges of humanitarian crisis and economic collapse.
The PM further hoped that the international community would recognise the gravity of the situation and take urgent measures, including the release of frozen assets to help alleviate the sufferings of the Afghan people.
The PM went on to urge the international community to have a “pragmatic approach” for “constructive engagement” with Taliban-led Afghanistan.
