Afghan refugees contributed to Pakistan’s economic development: Envoy

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan refugees in Pakistan have contributed in the economic development of Pakistan and played connectivity role between the two countries, an official said on Friday.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) envoy to Pakistan Sardar Ahmad Shakaib said this while addressing a gathering in Islamabad marking the third anniversary of IEA resurgent to power.

High ranking Pakistani officials and politicians attended the gathering, in addition, envoys from China, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sudan, Yemen, Kirghizstan, Qatar, Indonesia and Malysia also attended the event.

A statement from Afghanistan’s Embassy in Islamabad said that participants talked about Pakistan and Afghanistan bilateral relationship, commonalities and IEA achievements.

Mawlavi Sardar Shakib said August 15 had high importance for Afghan nation, this day is a symbol of bravery, dedication, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of Afghans.

He said: “Three years ago on this day, with the help of Allah Almighty, the Afghan people, under the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, got their freedom from the third foreign occupation for the third time.

He also pointed to the government's achievements in the past three years and said that Afghanistan has witnessed many positive achievements in the past three years. One of these achievements is the strengthening of global security and stability, which has provided the basis for trade, investment and tourism throughout the country.”

He added that also in different parts of Afghanistan, basic and development projects have been started with the aim of improving people's lives and increasing public services.

He emphasized that in the last three years, Afghanistan has been able to establish good diplomatic and commercial relations with its neighbors and regional countries in its foreign policy.

According to him, until now the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has diplomatic and consular representation in at least 40 countries and more than 20 embassies and 30 international organizations have their political and service presence freely in Afghanistan.

According to Shakib, the Afghan government believes that through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, it can play its role in creating a peaceful and comfortable environment in the ranks of the international community.