Islamabad(National Times): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the role played by Pakistan in rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan is being acknowledged and appreciated by the world.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera TV, the Foreign Minister brushed aside the criticism on Pakistan for situation in Afghanistan and said that Pakistan wanted to be a partner in peace and could be the most trusted interlocutor in the evolving situation.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is playing a constructive and positive role in safe evacuation of foreigners from Kabul and its Embassy in Kabul is working round the clock to assist the people.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan wants a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan as it is very imperative for regional connectivity.
He said Pakistan also wants an inclusive government in Afghanistan, which respects human rights and the initial statements from Afghan leadership indicate a new approach.
Meanwhile, talking to his Dutch counterpart Sigrid Kaag, the Foreign Minister urged the world community to stay engaged in order to support the people of Afghanistan, economically and to help rebuild the country.
Both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan and matters of bilateral importance.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said safety, security and stability in Afghanistan are of critical importance.
He stressed that Pakistan and Netherlands should work together both bilaterally as well as through the European Union.
On this occasion, the Dutch Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for support and facilitation for their evacuation efforts.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s former Prime Minister and Hezb-e-Islami Chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar expressed the belief that formal talks amongst the Afghan groups to form a negotiated government will start after the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in next few days.
In an inclusive interview with Radio Pakistan on Sunday, he hoped that soon there would be a government in Kabul, which will be acceptable to the Afghan people and the international community.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said that all stakeholders realize that Afghan political leaders and the Taliban should formally sit on the dialogue table to form the new government in Afghanistan.
He said informal interactions are taking place in this regard and soon these contacts will convert into formal talks.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said Taliban, in their statements, have been saying that they do not want to impose an Islamic emirate of their own choice and will prefer to establish a dispensation in consultation with all stakeholders.
Answering a question, the Hezb-e-Islami Chief said some foes of peace do not want a stable and a strong central government in Afghanistan. He said some hostile agencies of foreign countries are busy in instigating Afghan people to revolt.
Replying to another question, he said India should focus on its internal issues instead of issuing statements regarding the future of Afghanistan.
He said India should refrain from using Afghan soil against Pakistan to take revenge for Kashmiris’ struggle in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Gulbadin Hikmatyar also commended Prime Minister Imran Khan’s longstanding stance regarding peace in Afghanistan.
Chief of the British Armed Forces General Sir Nicholas Carter had said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa is genuine when he says that wants a stable and moderate Afghanistan.
In an interview with British Broadcast Company, the Head of British Army said that Pakistan genuinely wants a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
“I am in no doubt that my opposite number in Pakistan General Bajwa is very genuine when he says that he wants a stable & moderate Afghanistan”, he said.
To a question regarding the alleged safe havens of terrorists and the people of the Haqqani network in Pakistan, General Sir Nicholas Carter said Pakistan has lived with its challenges and hosts more than 3.5 million refugees on its soil.
General Carter further said that with so many people, it is hard to control who is there amongst them.