Pakistan’s political and military leaders met today and discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, observed that the evolving situation in the region is highly complex and that any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) held its 34th meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair in Islamabad on Friday, state-run media reported.
Convened the meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan was attended by relevant Federal Cabinet members, all Services Chiefs, and heads of intelligence services.
During the meeting, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, stable, and sovereign Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister was briefed about the evolving regional security situation, particularly the recent developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction on Pakistan’s support to the international evacuation effort from Afghanistan and noted that the entire world had recognized Pakistan’s positive contribution.
Deliberations were held over the evolving situation in the region, and the committee members stressed that it was highly complex and that any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan.
Agreeing to this, PM Khan directed the establishment of a dedicated cell to synergize various streams of efforts on Afghanistan across the government, including international coordination for humanitarian assistance and effective border management to prevent any negative spillover into Pakistan.
Pakistan has been worried about the situation in Afghanistan since Taliban took control of Kabul, almost 20 years after being ousted by a US-led military coalition. Pakistan being contiguous to Afghanistan fears of a spillover of the chaos into Pakistan and this time has been reluctant even to accept the refugees from Afghanistan. Although 1.5 million Afghans have been hosted by Pakistan since 1979.
Pakistan has also played a vital role in the evacuation of US and other nationals from Afghanistan when America completed the withdrawal of its armed forces from Afghanistan. It has repeatedly urged the international community to positively engage with the interim government in Afghanistan and provide humanitarian and financial resources to it.
