Afghanistan policy: PM orders coordinated policy effort on Afghanistan

Afghanistan policy: The National Security Committee has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and sovereign Afghanistan.

The committee meet the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

The meeting was attended by relevant Federal Cabinet members, all Services Chiefs, and heads of intelligence services. The Prime Minister received a detailed briefing on the evolving regional security situation, particularly the recent developments in Afghanistan and their possible impact on Pakistan.

The Committee reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and sovereign Afghanistan.

The participants noted, with concern, the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and emphasized the urgent need for the international community to provide assistance to avert a humanitarian crisis.

The importance of international coordination on constructive political and economic engagement with the interim government in Afghanistan was also highlighted. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction on Pakistan’s support to the international evacuation effort from Afghanistan and noted that the entire world had recognized Pakistan’s positive contribution.

Committee members emphasized that the evolving situation in the region was extremely complex and that any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan. Agreeing with this view, the Prime Minister stressed the need for a coordinated Afghanistan policy effort.

He directed the establishment of a dedicated cell to synergize various streams of efforts on Afghanistan across the government, including international coordination for humanitarian assistance and effective border management to prevent any negative spillover into Pakistan.