Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Pakistan’s ambassador to Morocco, Hamid Asghar Khan, said on Tuesday that his country is deeply concerned about the recent developments in Afghanistan, during a press conference at the headquarters of the Pakistani embassy in Rabat,
The ambassador called for the urgent need to establish peace and stability in neighboring Afghanistan.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan two weeks before the US was set to withdraw its troops after a two decade-long conflict that cost trillions of dollars.
As an active member of the international community and a direct neighbor to Afghanistan, Pakistan is directly concerned with the aftermath of the leadership shift, as their shared border extends beyond the mountains.
The ambassador reiterates Pakistan’s position that there will be no military solution to the Afghan conflict, stating that “only negotiations and multilateral agreements will bring peace to Afghanistan.”
Asghar Khan stated that Pakistan has been suffering – and still suffers, from the instability of its neighbor, adding that “the violence, extremism, terrorism and displacement spills over accross the border, and creates multiple additional problems for the Pakistani state.”
Pakistan has suffered many negative consequences as a result of the conflict in Afghanistan.
Pakistan hosts 4 million Afghan refugees, including registered and illegal entries, dispersed across 54 camps. “Pakistan cannot fiscally afford to host more refugees,” the ambassador remarked.
“After an Afghan government is formed, Pakistan is ready to start working on the process of safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.” the ambassador further stated.
The ambassador also expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life caused at Kabul Airport last week, saying that “it was a very unfortunate scene, but that it is unlikely to occur again.”
The Pakistani diplomat said that his country has been “actively involved in the evacuation process of expats, Pakistani nationals and foreign journalists living in Afghanistan.”
The ambassador added that his country hopes that the Afghan territory would not be used to perpetrate terrorist acts within Pakistan in the future, and that 3.5 million Afghan refugees will be able to return to their homes with dignity.
Regarding Pakistan’s recognition of the Taliban government as a legitimate representative of the Afghan state, Asghar Khan said Pakistan will discuss the issue depending on how the dialogue with the international community evolves, expressing Pakistan’s commitment to working with the international community to reach a comprehensive and negotiated political settlement that will allow for peace in Afghanistan with full respect for the Afghan people.
Asghar Khan reiterated Pakistan’s position on Western Sahara upon receiving inquiries about his country’s stance towards the national cause. “ Pakistan has never had any negative position on the issue of the Western Sahara, and has never recognized the Polisario Front,” the ambassador affirmed.
He further stated, “Pakistan always supported the peaceful option for the resolution, and we are affirming our support for the UN approved Moroccan autonomy plan, and all solutions presented under the international institution.”
