World Must Stay Engaged With Afghanistan, Stresses Qureshi

It’s in the interest of peace and stability for the world to remain engaged and not abandon Afghanistan, says FM, adding that Pak facilitated evacuation of over 10,000 foreigners from Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday urged the international community to act to prevent an “economic collapse” in neighboring Afghanistan after the takeover of the country by the Taliban and the pullout of US forces.

Qureshi said it’s in the interest of peace and stability for the world to remain engaged and not abandon Afghanistan since more instability and a further exodus of Afghans fleeing the Taliban rule were not in the interest of the nation.

He said that “this is a pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history. The international community must remain engaged, do not let economic collapse take place in Afghanistan.”

Qureshi spoke at a joint news conference with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Tuesday, a day after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, marking the end of the 20 years of war next door.

Qureshi said Pakistan facilitated the evacuation of more than 10,000 foreigners from Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. He said Pakistan has already been hosting more than 3 million Afghan refugees for the past decades and that his nation lacks the capacity to absorb more refugees.