‘Taliban Rule’: PM Imran Reviews National Security Amid Afghan Situation

The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to an inclusive political settlement as the way forward representing all Afghan ethnic groups.

The NSC meeting held here to deliberate on the emerging situation in Afghanistan was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by senior cabinet members and services chiefs.

Participants were briefed on latest developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan and the region. The overall security situation in the region was also discussed, a press release issued here after the meeting said.

The NSC noted positively that major violence had been averted thus far and called on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the rule of law, protect fundamental human rights of all Afghans, and ensure that Afghan soil is not used by any terrorist organization/group against any country.

It was reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community and all Afghan stakeholders to facilitate an inclusive political settlement in the country.

It was stressed that the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan must be adhered to.

The NSC noted that Pakistan was a victim of the decades’ long conflict in Afghanistan and therefore desired peace and stability in the neighborhood.

It was emphasized that the world must recognize the sacrifices made by Pakistan over four decades.

The Prime Minister directed that all possible facilities be made available to repatriate Pakistanis, diplomats, journalists and staff of international organizations seeking to leave Afghanistan.

He lauded the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and the state machinery in this regard.