Alvi eyes an inclusive Afghan govt representing all political stakeholders

Alvi eyes an inclusive Afghan govt representing all political stakeholders.

Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi said devastation in Afghanistan means more refugees in Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times during his two-day visit to the UAE, he said we don’t want any instability in our neighbouring country.

Alvi eyes an inclusive Afghan govt representing all political stakeholders

Furthermore, he said that Pakistan hope to see an ‘inclusive government’ representing all political stakeholders.

He said peace in Afghanistan will bring prosperity in the region.

Moreover, it would open a window of business opportunities for the world to connect with Central Asian states through the war-torn country.

President Alvi said Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan as it will have a positive impact on the country but also on the entire region.

He also brushed aside impression that Islamabad has been backing the change in regime.

He clarified that Pakistan is not an active player in Afghanistan.

Furthermore, he said we are just helping the Taliban on humanitarian grounds as the Afghans are suffering due to sanctions and blockage of funds.

There is a flight of capital from Pakistan to Afghanistan. So, it is in our interest to bring stability in the country.

US withdrawal a hasty call

President Alvi termed the US withdrawal “a hasty call.” He said said there was no military solution in Afghanistan.

He further recalled that Pakistan always tried to persuade the US into avoiding war, and back negotiations as a better solution.

He asked if US and Nato forces are unable to bring stability in Afghanistan despite spending $2.3 trillion, then how will Pakistan be able to do that?.

The President said that Pakistan has been hosting four million refugees. He stressed that such a gesture must be considered as a matter of goodwill by the Afghan people.

Pakistan also played very active and positive role in repatriation of diplomats and other people from Afghanistan and the world has acknowledged our efforts.

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

The President also expressed grief over sad demise of nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. The latter passed away in Islamabad on Sunday morning at the age of 85.

He said Khan helped us develop nation-saving nuclear deterrence, and a grateful nation will never forget his services in this regard.

Rising inflation

The President said inflation is on the rise worldwide and Pakistan is not the only country in the world facing this challenge.

“He noted inflation high because commodities and oil price are increasing in the international market.

However, the government will be taking steps to control the food inflation through supply chain mechanism and good governance.

In reply to a question, he said the country is on the right track and its future is bright.

The government has taken right steps at the right time to overcome serious challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, jobs creation, and reviving the economy.

Furthermore, he said we have managed to register close to four per cent GDP growth rate in last financial year despite the pandemic.

GTV