Islamabad, 30 March 2023 (TDI): Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Asad Majeed Khan, met with Germany’s Envoy for Afghanistan, Ambassador Erik Kurzweil, to discuss the political situation in Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis, and peace approaches.
Germany’s Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Erik Kurzweil @GERonSouthAsia called on Foreign Secretary @asadmk17 today. The Foreign Secretary reiterated 🇵🇰‘s desire for a peaceful, prosperous, stable and connected Afg.
🇵🇰🤝🇩🇪 @GermanyDiplo @PakinGermany_ pic.twitter.com/LzsukW1Ss9
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) March 28, 2023
During a meeting, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary underlined Pakistan’s dedication to a peaceful, prosperous, stable, and connected Afghanistan.
The discussion focused on the current situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and security.
Foreign Secretary Khan stated that Pakistan supports an inclusive, Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned peace process in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, he noted that Pakistan believes that a peaceful, affluent, stable, and unified Afghanistan is in the best interests of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the region.
During the discussion, Khan also stressed the importance of a coordinated regional strategy for addressing the issues confronting Afghanistan and the region.
He underscored the importance of economic connectivity and commerce to generate employment and revenue for Afghans.
He also stated that Pakistan promotes economic connections and trade with Afghanistan and the greater region. Economic growth is critical to promoting regional peace and security.
Also Read: Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan: Impact on healthcare & international aid efforts
Ambassador Kurzweil complimented Pakistan for assisting the peace process in Afghanistan. Pakistan has harbored millions of Afghan refugees over the past four decades.
He accepted Germany’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s critical involvement in the Afghan peace process. It appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to assist Afghan refugees.
Ambassador Kurzweil also noted that Germany is eager to work with Pakistan on regional stability and economic development.
Both diplomats met when Afghanistan sorrows from tremendous problems, such as ongoing warfare, economic insecurity, and a growing humanitarian crisis.
Afghanistan Crisis
Afghanistan is experiencing a severe political and humanitarian catastrophe worsened by years of conflict, unstable economies, and turbulent politics.
The nation has been at war for nearly four decades, and the situation has only deteriorated since the US soldiers left in August 2021.
In a quick military assault, the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist organization that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, again seized power in August 2021.
The takeover has raised widespread concerns about human rights violations, notably against women and minorities, as well as a rising humanitarian crisis.
The country’s instability has forced millions of Afghans to migrate to neighboring nations like Pakistan and Iran. These countries were already struggling economically and politically before the influx of refugees deepened their challenges.
Afghanistan is encountering enormous economic difficulties in addition to the dilemma of displacement. The nation’s economy is fragile and heavily dependent on foreign assistance.
The Taliban’s takeover has also resulted in a freeze on foreign aid, aggravating the economic crisis.
They have not yet established a legitimate constitutional government. There are concerns that the Taliban would quash resistance or discontent through violent means.
The Taliban’s previous record on human rights and governance has also generated worries about their ability to manage the country effectively and fairly.
The international world has responded to the Afghanistan crisis with political pressure and humanitarian relief.
Many countries, notably the United States, have stopped help to the country, while others have supplied emergency relief to meet the population’s immediate humanitarian needs.
Afghanistan’s dilemma is complicated and varied, requiring continuous international attention and cooperation.
Pakistan has actively supported Afghanistan’s peace process and regional stability and economic growth in the vicinity.
Pakistan and Germany are committed to fostering regional cooperation and economic connectivity to address the region’s issues as they continue to work together to support peace and stability in Afghanistan.
