NSC urges international community to step forward to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan, say committee members

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The National Security Committee (NSC) in its 34th meeting held at PM House in Islamabad on Friday with Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in the chair reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and sovereign Afghanistan.

According a press release issued by the PM’s Office, the NSC meeting convened to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan was attended by relevant the 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 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.

On the occasion, PM Khan 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, Imran Khan stressed the need for a coordinated 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.

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed, National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yousuf, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin and others were present on the occasion.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, chiefs of the Pakistan Air Force and Navy, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general (DG), DG Intelligence Bureau also attended the meeting.