News Desk |
The Foreign Office on Wednesday in a statement clarified that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on Afghanistan have been misinterpreted and reported out of context in the media.
In a statement today, Foreign Office Spokesperson, Dr. Muhammad Faisal said the Prime Minister had referred to Pakistan’s model, where elections are held under an interim government. The comments should not be misinterpreted to imply interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
On Monday, while addressing journalists from multiple Pakistani media houses, Prime Minister Khan suggested that establishing an interim government in Afghanistan would allow the peace talks between the Taliban spokesmen and the US officials to go smoothly since the Taliban have been adamantly refusing to negotiate with the Ghani-led government.
It is important to note that this is the third diplomatic row between Kabul and Islamabad in one month, where Kabul is seen demanding explanations from Pakistan over comments made with regards to the Afghan peace process.
Prime Minister Khan termed the Afghan government as a “hurdle” to the peace process with its insistence to be included in an intra-Afghan dialogue. Khan also mentioned that the Taliban were eager to meet him in Islamabad, but this meeting was canceled over the objections raised by Kabul.
The FO Spokesperson today said Pakistan has no other interest in Afghanistan, but to promote peace through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led political process. Dr. Muhammad Faisal said Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken personal interest in facilitating the ongoing political reconciliation process and the same must not be misconstrued to undermine the sincere efforts of Pakistan or to create misunderstandings at this crucial stage of the process.
Afghanistan, furious over the premier remarks, on Tuesday, had recalled its ambassador from Pakistan; Afghanistan also summoned Pakistan’s deputy ambassador to discuss the “irresponsible” remarks by Khan, said foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi in a series of tweets on Tuesday.
Read more: Kabul furious over PM Khan’s remarks, recalls ambassador
It is important to note that this is the third diplomatic row between Kabul and Islamabad in one month, where Kabul is seen demanding explanations from Pakistan over comments made with regards to the Afghan peace process. Even though FM Qureshi has, time and again, assured Kabul of Pakistan’s support to the peace process and the possibility of an intra-Afghan dialogue, the Ghani-led government continues to accuse Pakistan of siding with the Taliban.