Pakistan will closely engage with US for peaceful Afghanistan: FM Qureshi

Pakistan on Tuesday assured that it would remain closely engaged with the US and other international partners in promoting efforts in support of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a telephone call with US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, stressed that continued US economic engagement with Afghanistan was of crucial importance.

The foreign minister shared Pakistan’s perspective noting the significant change in the situation within a short span and the avoidance of violence.

He further stressed the importance of inclusive political settlement as the best way forward.

Qureshi also apprised his counterpart of Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the evacuation of personnel and staff of diplomatic missions, international organisations, 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 was anchored in peace, deeper economic cooperation, and regional connectivity.

The foreign minister and secretary of state agreed to remain in close contact to promote the shared objectives.

The telephone call comes as Taliban declare general amnesty in Afghanistan for all government officials and urged them to return to work.

In a statement, the group urged the government officials to start their routine life with full confidence.

Taliban made the announcement two days after taking power.

A day earlier, the National Security Committee (NSC) reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to an inclusive political settlement as the way forward representing all Afghan ethnic groups.

The NSC meeting held to deliberate on the emerging situation in Afghanistan was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by senior cabinet members and services chiefs.

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 organisation or group against any country.

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.