Dushanbe (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday stressed the need to adopt coordinated approaches for the resolution of regional issues including problems of Afghanistan.
Addressing the 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, the premier said that secure and peaceful Afghanistan is vitally important for Pakistan and regional stability.
PM Imran said that an inclusive political settlement is the best way forward in Afghanistan, along with ensuring the safety, security and protection of rights of Afghans.
The prime minister stressed that the international community must stay positively engaged in support of the people of Afghanistan to help address humanitarian needs and ensure economic sustenance.
PM Imran also urged the international community to ensure there is no renewed conflict in Afghanistan and the security situation is stabilised there.
“This is a moment to stand by the Afghan people firmly and unequivocally,” Imran Khan said, adding that there is a rare opportunity to finally end the 40 years of war in Afghanistan and this moment should not be squandered.
Warning against the mischievous propaganda on the part of spoilers, PM Imran said this will only serve to undermine the prospects for peace.
PM Imran also urged that the Taliban must fulfill the pledges especially for an inclusive political structure.
He said it is important to ensure respect for the rights of all Afghans, and that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for terrorists.
The prime minister said Pakistan has an abiding interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
He said sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan will also help us realise our vision of an inter-connected, prosperous and economically vibrant region.
Alluding to losses both human and material suffered by Pakistan in the war on terror, PM Imran said Pakistan will continue to be a reliable and willing partner of the international community in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
The premier called for implementing the United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions for peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes.
He said unilateral and illegal measures to change the status of disputed territories in violation of Security Council resolutions run counter to this objective
PM Imran said such measures must be condemned and opposed firmly for being in violation of the SCO Charter and its well-established principles of inter-state relations.
As regards COVID-19, the Prime Minister stressed for strengthening collective endeavours to mitigate the adverse economic impact of the pandemic.