PM Imran Khan's comments on Afghanistan misinterpreted: FO
The comments should not be misinterpreted to imply interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday clarified that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s recent remarks on Afghanistan have been reported out of context in the media which led to unwarranted reaction from various quarters.
In a statement, FO Spokesperson, Dr Muhammad Faisal said the PM 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.
The Spokesperson 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 PM 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.
He said the PM understands the plight of brave people of Afghanistan, who have a right to live in peace after four decades of violence and war.
Afghanistan on Tuesday recalled its ambassador from Pakistan over reported remarks by Prime Minister Imran Khan that suggested Kabul should set up an interim government, calling the comments ‘irresponsible’.
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.
The Afghan government deemed Khan’s statements as “an obvious example of Pakistan’s interventional policy and disrespect to the national sovereignty and determination of the people of Afghanistan,” Ahmadi said.
President Ashraf Ghani’s mandate –whose government is considered by the Taliban as illegitimate – will expire in May, and political rivals are forcing him to step down before the next presidential election, scheduled for September 28.
However, Ghani has rejected the notion of an interim government.
