Islamabad, 7 September 2021 (TDI): Pakistan has been proactively engaged with regional and extra-regional countries to maintain peace in the region since the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban after the complete withdrawal of American troops in August 2021. The withdrawal ended the twenty years of war in Afghanistan which began in 2001. The government of Pakistan realized that peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan is critical for the peace of the entire region. Pakistan is stressing upon the cooperation of international community on the evolving situation in Afghanistan lest the history should not repeat itself in Afghanistan.
During the Cold war period, Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979. The US and its allies started pouring billions of dollars to prevent the possibility of any Communist government in Afghanistan. Once the Soviets were defeated with the help of Pakistan, the US along with its allies left Afghanistan. They left its people on their own fortune. Pakistan was also left alone to tackle the chaotic aftermath that erupted due to the vacuum left by international community particularly by the US. The situation in Afghanistan, helped the Taliban to come into power. Their coming into power did not augur well for the future of Afghanistan. Eventually, America intervened and began the War on Terror in Afghanistan to curb the threat of terrorism. However, the military solution that the US employed for Afghanistan’s instability couldn’t stop Taliban to come into power again.
Pakistan being the closest neighboring country of Afghanistan, had to face numerous challenges following the forty years of chaos in Afghanistan. Hence, realizing the need of the hour, the Government of Pakistan is utilizing every possible diplomatic avenue to address the current situation in Afghanistan and to bring peace in region.
The following details of the diplomatic engagements demonstrate the serious efforts of the Government of Pakistan towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region:
The visits of foreign dignitaries to Pakistan
Foreign Minister of Germany, Heiko Maas visited Pakistan from 30th to 31 August 2021. He held meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. He followed all the current situation in Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister of Netherlands, Sigrid Kaag, arrived in Pakistan on 1st September. She met with his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mahmood.
United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab paid a visit to Pakistan on 2nd September. He called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood.
Foreign Minister of Italy, Luigi DI Maio, who arrived in Pakistan on 6th September, met with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood.
Telephonic contacts
Prime Minister, Imran Khan held a telephonic communication with the following dignitaries:
- Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN
- Mohammad bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
- Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Ali Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic communication with the following officials:
- Marc Garneau, Foreign Minister of Canada
- Alexander Schallenberg, Foreign Minister of Austria
- Anze Logar, Foreign Minister of Slovenia
- Amir Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of Iran.
The common agenda of all these meetings and talks
- The evolving situation in Afghanistan,
- The cooperation and coordination of the International community in restoring peace and – prosperity in Afghanistan,
- Providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people,
- Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan, that is, an inclusive political settlement,
- Appreciation of Pakistan’s efforts in evacuating 11000 people from Afghanistan including the nationals and personnel of governments and international organizations, and
- Cooperation on strengthening bilateral relations and common ties.
Pakistan as a responsible country will continue to engage the international community diplomatically in its endeavors of maintaining peace in Afghanistan and the region.
