Build Kabul’s capacity to fight terror, Zardari asks world

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has urged the global fraternity to the Afghan interim government’s capacity to deal with the terrorist threat.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued the call while participating in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Since a peaceful Afghanistan was central to regional stability, the international community must play an effective role in bringing prosperity to the war-hit country, he stressed.

The continuation of economic activity and progress in Afghanistan was vital for peace and would help the caretaker set-up run its national affairs, he argued.

The minister said the world wanted the Afghan government to honour its commitments in areas like women’s education and tackling possible threats from terrorism.

Pakistan had hosted the largest number of Afghan refugees on its soil, he said, pledging continued support to the neighbouring country.

At the same time, the foreign minister added, the international community could not afford to leave Afghanistan alone at the current critical juncture.

Zardari called for the release of Afghanistan’s assets, opening up its banking channels and engagement with the interim administration.

mud