ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister of State on Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, is attending the Summit of Special Envoys on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar, under the auspices of the United Nations.
The meeting, chaired by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, brings together international and regional countries to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan with a view toward constructive engagement.
During the meeting, Khar will present Pakistan’s perspective on Afghanistan and work on developing a consensus regarding the way forward with regional and international partners, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Khar will also hold meetings with leaders of other participating nations on the sidelines of the meeting.
Pakistan to continue supporting efforts for peace, stability in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Pakistan’s pledge to continue its support for efforts to advance the shared objectives of a stable, peaceful, sovereign, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan.
It is important to note that the Taliban, the current rulers of Afghanistan, were not invited to the meeting. The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, confirmed that “the secretary-general has not invited the de facto authorities.” Last week, the United Nations had to clarify that the meeting would not focus on the possible international recognition of the Taliban administration after comments by the deputy UN chief sparked concern and confusion.
The gathering in Qatar is instead intended to focus on reinvigorating “the international engagement around common objectives for a durable way forward on… Afghanistan,” Dujarric said. Guterres’ deputy, Amina Mohammed, had suggested last week that the meeting in Doha “could find those baby measures to put us back on the pathway to recognition.”
The meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan will continue until Tuesday, May 2.
