July 14, 2021
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Afghan counterpart earlier this week and discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan, according to the Foreign Ministry.
The meeting between Qureshi and Hanif Atmar was held in Dushanbe, where they participated in a Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s constant support for a peaceful and united Afghanistan, said the Foreign Ministry.
Considering the drawdown of international forces from Afghanistan, the foreign minister urged Afghan leaders to reach a negotiated political settlement at the earliest, because that is the only way to achieve peace, stability and prosperity.
“Afghan leaders should seize the historic opportunity and take advantage of international convergence on the final settlement of the Afghan conflict by working together an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement,” said Qureshi.
He also expressed apprehension about the high level of violence and loss of life, and stressed on immediate steps to decrease violence, leading to a comprehensive cease-fire.
Qureshi also highlighted recent negative statements by Afghan leaders and said they could not cloud Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process.
“The blame game would not serve the region,” Qureshi told Atmar and urged him to address all concerns through established institutional mechanisms.
The Kabul government, especially Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib, has long accused Pakistan of being behind the new wave of Taliban attacks on Afghan security forces, amid the ongoing pullout of US forces.
Islamabad denies the charge and accuses Mohib of “sabotaging” the virtually stalled peace process, with key Afghan districts falling into Taliban hands in recent weeks.
