Today: 4 May 2025
9 September 2021
2 mins read

Qureshi hosts virtual conference on Afghanistan

Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi chaired the meeting which was attended by China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan…reports Hamza Ameer

At the invitation of Pakistan, a virtual foreign ministers’ meeting on the Afghan issue was held among the neighbouring coutries of Afghanistan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi chaired the meeting which was attended by China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The agenda of the meeting was to review the evolving situation in Afghanistan to address the common challenges and realise the emerging opportunities to ensure regional stability and prosperity, providing an opportunity to the neighbours of Afghanistan to work together for shared objective of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which is essential to forge strong economic linkages and realise the connectivity agenda.

Addressing the meeting, Qureshi said that the developments in the region will have profound implications for Afghanistan, the region and the world at large.

Pic credits Twitter @SMQureshiPTI

“It is clear that no one could anticipate the recent turn of events — from the meltdown of security forces to the collapse of the Afghanistan government. All previous assessments and predictions proved wrong. Notwithstanding the un-anticipated and sudden nature of these developments, it is important to note that the much-dreaded bloodshed has not occurred,” he said.

Qureshi expressed cautious satisfaction that the prospects of a protracted conflict and civil war in Afghanistan seems to have been averted and the much-feared exodus of refugees has also not taken place for the moment.

“The Taliban have announced the formation of a caretaker setup. We have noted this development. We hope that the political situation stabilises at the earliest, leading to normalcy,” he said.

Qureshi said that during his recent consultations with the various regional countries, important issues related to Afghanistan were identified, including the following:

• Security situation along the borders
• Prevention of Afghan soil from being used by terrorist entities
• Possibility of fresh influx of refugees
• Containing drug trafficking and transnational crimes
• Stemming any spread of extremist elements
• Challenges relating to Covid-19 pandemic
• Impediments to regional connectivity

Pic credits Twitter @SMQureshiPTI



Moreover, Qureshi also underscored what he called rich dividends if peace is secured in Afghanistan, which include the following:

• Secure borders
• End of threat of terrorism from Afghan soil
• Possibilities of return of refugees
• Economic stability and improvement in living standards
• Realisation of connectivity projects
• Enhanced regional economic integration

Qureshi proposed that in order to attain the common vision of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, the following steps needs to be implemented:

• Affirm full support and solidarity with the Afghan people
• Reaffirm full commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan
• Afghan related issues should have Afghan solutions
• Ensure that Afghan soil is not allowed to be used against any country
• National reconciliation in Afghanistan by underscoring the multi-ethnic nature of the Afghan society
• Preventing an economic meltdown of the country

Qureshi urged that if humanitarian crisis and economic stability in Afghanistan is assured, then peace can be consolidated and a mass exodus precluded.

ALSO READ: Putin, Michel to work together on Afghanistan

Previous Story

Anti-Taliban protests on the rise in Afghanistan

Next Story

China using ‘espionage’ to become next superpower

Latest from -Top News

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

Abu Dhabi, Beirut Reconnect 

A key highlight of Aoun’s visit to UAE was the agreement to ease travel restrictions between the two countries — a move set to facilitate the movement of citizens and promote closer

Putin lauds UAE’s role in prisoner swaps 

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Vladimir Putin reaffirm growing partnership amid UAE’s humanitarian role in Ukraine conflict  In a strong display of strategic diplomacy and humanitarian leadership, President His

ATM 2025 sets new standard 

The global event drew over 55,000 travel and tourism professionals from 166 countries, marking a 16% year-on-year increase in attendance and cementing Dubai’s role as a key hub for shaping the future
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US, China Rivalry Casts Shadows Over Asia

This may be the “Asian century”, but pitfalls still abound

China Coast Guard vessels enter Japanese waters

This has led to a number of incidents where Chinese