March 27, 2019
Pakistan’s foreign office, in a press release, has stated that Afghanistan ‘misinterpreted’ PM Imran Khan’s comments where he talked about an ‘interim setup’ for elections in Afghanistan.
PM Khan, while talking to media personnel, had said that the Afghan peace process could only be successful if there was a neutral interim government, which could hold free and transparent elections to be participated by all the stakeholders. However, his statement attracted a strong reaction from Afghanistan, with both the Afghan government as well as the opposition leaders criticising the PM’s statement.
However, Pakistan’s foreign office has clarified that the PM’s statement was taken out context.
The full press release said:
PM Imran Khan’s comments on Afghanistan have been reported out of context in the media, leading to unwarranted reaction from various quarters. In his comments, the PM had referred to Pakistan’s model where elections are held under an interim government. The comments should not be misinterpreted to imply interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. Pakistan has no other interest in Afghanistan but to promote peace through an ‘Afghan owned’ and ‘Afghan led’ political process. PM of Pakistan has taken personal interest in facilitating the ongoing political reconciliation process and the same must not be misconstrued to undermine the sincere efforts of Pakistan or to create misunderstandings at this crucial stage of the process. Prime Minister of Pakistan understands the plight of brave people of Afghanistan, who have a right to live in peace after four decades of violence and war.
