Pakistan‘s National Security Committee Convened to discuss Afghanistan in light of the Taliban victory. Pakistan’s PM Chaired the NSC as the civil and military leadership met to discuss the matters and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment for an inclusive political settlement as the way forward by giving representation to all Afghan ethnic groups, and urged the world community to work together towards this end.
The participants were briefed on latest developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan and the region. The overall security situation in the region was also discussed. Pakistan is a victim of the decades long conflict in Afghanistan and therefore, desired peace and stability in the neighborhood. The world must recognize the sacrifices made by Pakistan [for] over four decades. Pakistan remains committed to an inclusive political settlement as the way forward representing all Afghan ethnic groups. 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. The principle of non-interference in Afghanistan must be adhered to. It added that 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 organization or group against any country. The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the conflict in Afghanistan never had a military solution. The ideal time to end the conflict through negotiations might have been when the US/NATO troops were at maximum military strength in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also directed that all possible facilities be made available to repatriate Pakistanis, diplomats, journalists and staff of international organizations seeking to leave Afghanistan, it stated, adding that the prime minister lauded the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and the state machinery in this regard.
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