Pakistan PM Calls For Engagement With Taliban Government At SCO Summit
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday has asked for meaningful engagement with Afghanistan as the international community is currently at an impasse on the issue.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday has asked for meaningful engagement with Afghanistan as the international community is currently at an impasse on the issue.
Sharif had been speaking at the virtual 23rd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State and said that stability in Afghanistan is a concern for all nations.
The Pakistan Prime Minister said, "There is a need to achieve lasting peace and security in the region as it is both a common concern as well as a responsibility of all SCO leaders. Stability in Afghanistan is critical for achieving this common objective. The international community currently finds itself in a standstill with Afghanistan."
He also added that Afghanistan needs essential support in order to ward off a grave humanitarian crisis, prevent an economic meltdown and to combat terrorism.
He echoed thoughts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the Taliban must take measures to ensure its soil is not used for terrorism.
Shahbaz Sharif noted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan will bring dividends to Afghans and unlock the true economic potential of the SCO region and contribute to global peace, security and progress.
He stated that the SCO Afghanistan contact group has an important part to play in providing a platform for practical cooperation.
The 23rd meeting of heads of state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has been held virtually by India. Among others, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and the President of China, Xi Jinping, have participated in the SCO meeting.
India assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO at the Samarkand Summit of SCO on September 16 last year.
