Pakistan’s foreign Secretary stressed the importance of releasing Afghanistan’s frozen assets and facilitation of banking operations to ease the economic hardships of the Afghan people.

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA)_Monitoring, During a meeting with China’s Special Envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, the two officials exchanged views on the political and security situation in Afghanistan, humanitarian assistance by Pakistan and China to Afghanistan, and other matters of mutual interest.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Office, Mahmood underlined the importance for the Afghan side to address the international community’s expectations regarding: inclusivity, respect for the rights of all Afghans, girls’ education and effective counter-terrorism measures.

He also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan.
The foreign secretary highlighted the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including Pakistan’s relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on 22 June 2022, the report said.

In the context of regional connectivity, both sides exchanged views on the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to promote economic development and prosperity.

He underscored that the international community’s focus should not be diverted from the dire situation in Afghanistan owing to events taking place elsewhere. 

While emphasizing continued constructive engagement and practical cooperation with the IEA officials, Mahmood highlighted the central role of platforms such as Troika Plus and six neighboring countries of Afghanistan in advancing shared goals.

Special Envoy Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong appreciated the important and constructive role played by Pakistan in the context of Afghanistan. Both sides agreed that only a peaceful, stable and connected Afghanistan could “act as a fulcrum for enhanced regional trade and connectivity”.

The two officials met each other while Uzbekistan will host Pakistan and China in a conference on Afghanistan titled “Security and Economic Developments” scheduled to be held on July 25-26.