ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday raised concerns over a possible humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, asking the world community to create suitable incentives for the war-torn country to move toward greater peace and economic development through continuous engagement.
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani who arrived in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Qatar has cultivated a deep role in Afghanistan since it let the Taliban open the group's main international office in 2013 and provided the venue for peace talks that led to last year's US agreement to withdraw.
In the weeks since the Afghan faction swept into power in Kabul, more than 58,000 of the 124,000 Western citizens and at-risk Afghans who were airlifted out of Afghanistan flew through Qatar. It is also providing a temporary home to the evacuated Afghanistan embassies of the United States and several European allies.
"The Prime Minister called upon the international community to stand in solidarity with the Afghan people, engage positively, and create incentives to ensure sustainable peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan," said an official statement issued in Islamabad after the meeting.
Khan said his country had suffered immensely due to the protracted conflict in Afghanistan, saying peace in the neighboring state was vital for the security and stability of the whole region.
"The Prime Minister emphasized that it was vital to stabilize the security situation [in Afghanistan], prevent a humanitarian crisis, and stabilize the economy," the statement continued. "He added that Pakistan has and will continue to play its role for the economic uplift, humanitarian relief and assistance to Afghanistan."
The top Pakistani leader lauded Qatar's role in support of the Afghan peace process.
He also emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration with the Arab state in diverse areas, including trade and investment, energy and people-to-people linkages.
The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan's important role as well as efforts for regional peace and stability.
He also underscored Qatar's commitment to maintain close contact with Pakistan on bilateral and regional matters.
PM Khan tells Qatari leader Afghanistan needs 'incentives' to ensure peace, economic development
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PM Khan tells Qatari leader Afghanistan needs 'incentives' to ensure peace, economic development
- The Pakistani prime minister says the world must continue to engage with Afghanistan to avert a humanitarian disaster
- Pakistan and Qatar agreed to work together to address bilateral and regional matters
