FM says inclusive political settlement ‘best way forward’ in resolving Afghan conflict

According to details, the foreign minister held a telephonic conversation with United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in which both sides discussed the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan.

Shah Mehmood underlined that Pakistan would remain closely engaged with the United States and other international partners in promoting efforts for supporting of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister shared Pakistan's perspective noting the significant change in the situation within a short span and the avoidance of violence.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi further stressed that continued US economic engagement with Afghanistan is of crucial importance as well.

He also apprised the US Secretary of State of Pakistan's efforts to facilitate the evacuation of personnel and staff of diplomatic missions, international organizations, media and others.

On Pakistan-US bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister underlined Pakistan's commitment to forging a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with the United States that is anchored in peace, deeper economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Meanwhile, in a Tweet, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan always demonstrated a constructive role in Afghanistan, including its efforts in facilitating an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and many other economic and humanitarian efforts.

He said our mission in Kabul is working tirelessly to issue visas, to evacuate diplomats, NGO workers, and media personnel.

The Foreign Minister, in another statement said that it was unfortunate that Pakistan was, once again, denied the opportunity to speak at the United Nations Security Council meeting held on Monday over Afghanistan.

He regretted that at this critical juncture in the destiny of Afghanistan, India's partisan and obstructionist actions, repeatedly politicizing this multilateral platform, whose raison deter is peace, speaks volumes of its intention for Afghanistan and the region.