Taliban takes over Pakistan in search of peace in Afghanistan: National Security Council

• Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the meeting of the National Security Committee on the Situation in Afghanistan.
• The National Security Council calls on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the law and protect the human rights of all Afghans.
• The National Security Council reaffirms Pakistan promise An inclusive political settlement of the Afghanistan issue.

Islamabad: Pakistan is eager to achieve peace in Afghanistan, the National Security Council (NSC) reiterated on Monday because the Taliban took over the war-torn country after being swept away.

The developments occurred during the NSC meeting, which was called to consider the emerging situation in Afghanistan-with Prime Minister Imran Khan as chairman.

Senior cabinet members and service leaders attended the National Security Council meeting. Participants listened to the latest developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan and the region. The general security situation in the area was also discussed.

The National Security Council pointed out that Pakistan is a victim of the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan, and therefore hopes that the surrounding areas will achieve peace and stability. It was emphasized that the world must recognize the sacrifices Pakistan has made in the past four years.

Participants reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to an inclusive political solution as a way forward that represents all Afghan ethnic groups. Reaffirm that Pakistan will continue to cooperate with the international community and all stakeholders in Afghanistan to promote an inclusive political settlement in the country. In addition, the meeting emphasized that the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan must be upheld.

The National Security Council actively noted that major violent incidents have been avoided so far, and called on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the rule of law, protect the basic human rights of all Afghans, and ensure that the land of Afghanistan is not used by any terrorist organization or group in any country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan instructed to provide all possible facilities for the repatriation of Pakistanis, diplomats, journalists and staff of international organizations seeking to leave Afghanistan. The Prime Minister praised the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and national institutions for their continued efforts in this regard.

The National Security Council reiterated Pakistan’s position that there has never been a military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The ideal time to negotiate an end to the conflict may be when the US/NATO forces reach their maximum military power in Afghanistan.

If the current foreign military presence lasts longer, it will not produce different results. Therefore, the US National Security Council stated that the Biden administration’s approval of the previous US administration’s decision to withdraw troops is indeed a logical conclusion of the conflict.

Now is the time for the international community to work together to ensure an inclusive political solution for the long-term peace, security and development of Afghanistan and the region.

Taliban take over Kabul as Ashraf Ghani fled

President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday and admitted that the rebels had won the 20-year war.

The Afghan Taliban took over the presidential palace in Kabul on Sunday night, and the government collapsed at an alarming rate, triggering fear and panic in the capital.

Thousands of people tried to flee Kabul on Monday. The scene was chaotic and crowds gathered at the airport.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had a conversation with Turkish President Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed the rapidly developing situation in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister told Erdogan that the National Security Council will meet on Monday to further consider the changing situation. After the meeting, the leaders of the two countries will negotiate again and coordinate their efforts.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s determination to continue to fully support Afghanistan’s inclusive political solution.

Pakistan “No Favorite” in Afghanistan: FM Qureshi

A day ago, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi made it clear that Pakistan “has no favoritism” in Afghanistan and hopes to maintain good relations with its neighbors.

At a press conference held in Islamabad, the foreign minister said, “By then, Pakistan will recognize the Taliban government based on international consensus, actual conditions and Pakistan’s national interests”.

“Pakistan agrees that the Afghan issue should not be resolved by military means, and hopes that all issues will be resolved through dialogue,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s agenda is to see the development and prosperity of Afghanistan.

Qureshi has said that he will soon discuss the Afghan issue with the leaders of China, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and other neighboring countries, and India should also work hard to resolve the Afghan issue.

He once said that the situation in Afghanistan is changing rapidly, but the Pakistani embassy in the country is operating normally.

“Pakistan has always played the role of facilitator in Afghanistan and will continue to do so,” Qureshi said. “It is our neighbor, so we want to establish a good relationship with it.”

At the end of the press conference, FM Qureshi said that Afghan leaders must work together to find a solution that can save the lives and property of the Afghan people.