Pakistan warns against abandoning Afghanistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Abandoning Afghanistan will have horrible ramifications for the entire world, warns the Pakistani foreign minister.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said: “Such a move would have dangerous consequences and no one would be spared.”

At a joint news conference with his Dutch counterpart Sigrid Kaag in Islamabad, he said the formation of a next government in Afghanistan was keenly being awaited.

The international community has unequivocally made it clear that it would only recognise an inclusive dispensation representing all people of Afghanistan.

Qureshi noted prospects for the creation of an inclusive setup were not very bright. This could pose challenges for the new Afghan government in terms of its global recognition.

The foreign minister urged the world to be conscious of Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and try to prevent its economic collapse.

For his part, Kaag said the Netherlands had a longstanding commitment to Afghanistan and that commitment would remain intact.

She added: “I’m here to reinforce the message that we will continue to focus in and on Afghanistan … we are a long time contributor.”

The Netherlands annually provided 50 to 60 million euros to Afghanistan and it would maintain the same level of assistance, the visiting minister promised.

The aid would be channeled through UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, she explained.

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