Cricket was barely known in Afghanistan until the early 2000s, and its explosive rise in popularity is linked with conflict -- the sport was picked up in Pakistan by Afghan refugees who then seeded it in their home country.
With the Taliban now in control of the country, Akram said Pakistan hopes its leaders “will listen to a sincere friend in trying to form an inclusive government” where all the ethnic groups and minorities including Tajiks, Hazaras and Shiite Muslims are represented.
As of now, the conditions have drastically changed. The world is acknowledging Pakistan's significance as a contributor to stability in the region with the events unfolding in Afghanistan.
The hardline Islamists face the enormous challenge of shifting gears from insurgent group to governing power, days after the United States fully withdrew its troops and ended two decades of war.
Pakistan has stepped up its oil and gas imports compared to last year as the power sector demand surges. This is due to the resumption of economic activities and industrial revival following the relaxation of COVID-19 related restrictions on different sectors.
The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan was in touch with regional and international partners. It was essential for the world community to stay engaged to support the people of Afghanistan, economically and to help rebuild the country.
Wars can be compared to earthquakes. Some are violent and heavy in human losses, and some are relatively short and painless, but always under the surface, the tectonic plates shift and will not sit the same again.
Islamabad is particularly worried about militant fighters from a separate, Pakistani Taliban group crossing from Afghanistan and launching lethal attacks on its territory.
Foreign Minister Maas also highlighted the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-Germany diplomatic relations during 2021.
