Pakistan remains committed to inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan: NSC

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reiterated its stance that it will remain committed to an inclusive political settlement as the way forward representing all Afghan ethnic groups.

A meeting of the National Security Committee was convened on Monday, the 16th of August, 2021 to deliberate on the emerging situation in Afghanistan. The NSC meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by senior cabinet members and services chiefs. Participants were briefed on latest developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan and the region. The overall security situation in the region was also discussed.

The NSC noted that Pakistan was a victim of the decades long conflict in Afghanistan and, therefore, desired peace and stability in the neighborhood. It was emphasized that the world must recognize the sacrifices made by Pakistan over four decades.

The participants reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to an inclusive political settlement as the way forward, representing all Afghan ethnic groups. It was reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community and all Afghan stakeholders to facilitate an inclusive political settlement in the country. It was stressed that the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan must be adhered to.

The NSC noted positively that major violence had been averted thus far and called on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the rule of law, protect fundamental human rights of all Afghans and ensure that Afghan soil is not used by any terrorist organization/group against any country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the concerned authorities that all possible facilities be made available to repatriate Pakistanis, diplomats, journalists and staff of international organizations seeking to leave Afghanistan. The Prime Minister lauded the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and the state machinery in this regard.

The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the conflict in Afghanistan never had a military solution and the continuation of foreign military presence for a longer duration now would not have yielded a different outcome. Therefore, endorsement by the Biden administration of the previous US administration’s decision of troops withdrawal is indeed a logical conclusion to this conflict.

It is now time for the international community to work together to ensure an inclusive political settlement for long term peace, security and development of Afghanistan and the region.