Pakistan
PM Imran, British foreign secretary Raab discuss Afghan situation, Red List
Islamabad: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday. Both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as bilateral matters and regional and international issues.
Recalling his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and regional stability.
The Prime Minister noted that it was critical to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan, take steps to consolidate peace, and preclude any mass exodus. In this context, preventing humanitarian crisis and stabilizing the economy were the urgent needs.
The Prime Minister stressed that the international community should stand in solidarity with the Afghan people, undertake positive engagement, and create incentives for ensuring a peaceful, stable and inclusive polity.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against the role of “spoilers”, both inside and outside Afghanistan, which could destabilize the situation.
The Prime Minister further sensitized the UK side on the gross human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including the inhuman snatching away of the mortal remains of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the senior Kashmiri leader.
On the bilateral plane, the Prime Minister inter alia noted the long-standing relationship and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The Prime Minister shared concerns on the retention of Pakistan on the Red List, causing inconvenience to dual nationals.
Matters relating to climate change, peace and stability in South Asia, and global geopolitical situation were also discussed.