FM Qureshi arrives in New York, stresses on not abandoning Afghanistan

NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reaffirmed that the international community should support Afghans at a critical juncture as there is still hope for peace in Afghanistan.

During a meeting with the UN Press Representatives in New York, the foreign minister stressed that the international community should not abandon Afghanistan as a peaceful Afghanistan will be a cause of stability for the whole region.

The foreign minister said Pakistan extended full assistance in the evacuation of foreign nationals from Afghanistan. He said despite limited resources, Pakistan has been hosting three million Afghan refugees for the last four decades.

“Afghans have faced war in the last four decades so the international community should not leave Afghans alone now,” said the foreign minister. “A peaceful Afghanistan will benefit the whole region. Pakistan wants peace and stability in Afghanistan because if the Afghanistan situation deteriorates, Pakistan will be the most affected.”

He added that Pakistan’s economy can no longer bear the burden of refugees. Qureshi said his country gave all-out support for the evacuation of citizens, diplomatic staff and media representatives of different countries from Afghanistan.

Qureshi said the international community must move forward and take steps to support Afghans and avoid a humanitarian disaster. The federal minister said Pakistan seeks a comprehensive coalition government in Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan believes that the reconciliation process in Afghanistan cannot be completed without the formation of a government that has a representation of all political parties.

“I don’t think anybody is in a rush to recognise them at this stage and the Taliban should keep an eye on that as they have to be more sensitive and more receptive to international opinion.” 

“In my opinion, unfreezing the frozen assets of Afghanistan for the Afghans may serve as a major step for confidence-building that could also incentivise positive behaviour,” he said.

The United States has froze $9.5 billion in Afghan central bank assets and international lenders have stayed clear of Afghanistan as the money could be used by the Taliban.

Qureshi said several positive aspects also emerged during the current transition in Afghanistan such as the absence of bloodshed and civil war during this recent change. He said the statements made by the Taliban regarding the end of the war, amnesty, respect for basic human rights and protection of women’s rights are encouraging.

Met with @UN correspondents today & shared my intention to highlight Pakistan’s perspectives on a number of issues at #UNGA, in particular on the need for equitable socio-economic development, stabilisation of #Afghanistan and a just resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. pic.twitter.com/GO3NAFeltq

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 21, 2021

As regards the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Qureshi said the situation there has further complicated as a result of India’s unilateral and illegal steps of 5th August 2019.

He called upon India to stop atrocities against the oppressed Kashmiri people. He pointed out that voices are being raised within India against Hindutva policies of Modi government.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi earlier arrived in New York to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly commencing on Tuesday.

During his visit, he will participate in various high-level meetings and side events and also deliver a talk at the prestigious think-tank Council on Foreign Relations.

He will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and the UN leadership. He will also interact with a cross-section of the international media and meet the Pakistani-American community.