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Engagement with Afghanistan: A Strategic Necessity, Says Munir Akram

Summary
Pakistan’s representative to the UN, Munir Akram, advocates for continued engagement with Afghanistan’s people despite government-related challenges. He emphasizes the need for security measures against the expanding influence of the TTP, while also urging for human rights considerations in Taliban-led Afghanistan. There are no scheduled meetings between high-ranking officials of Pakistan and the US during the UN session, according to Akram.

In an interview with a US broadcaster, Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, underscored the necessity of engagement with the Afghan Taliban despite ongoing differences over various issues. He stated the priority of fostering relations with the Afghan populace, emphasizing, “We have many issues with the government, but our relation is with the people of Afghanistan.” Akram elaborated on Pakistan’s comprehensive policy towards Afghanistan, committed to supporting its citizens and rectifying governmental missteps. He asserted that Pakistan will take necessary security measures, particularly in light of the expanding influence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which he identified as being bolstered by the Afghan interim government. He expressed concern regarding the TTP’s connections with Al-Qaeda and its implications for regional stability. Addressing the potential meeting dynamics at the UN session, Akram mentioned that there was no scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Joe Biden, although the Prime Minister was set to deliver an address to the UN General Assembly and engage with global leaders. Highlighting the security challenges, Akram noted the increasing collaboration between the TTP and other insurgent groups, which are innovatively equipped and more dangerous than before. Furthermore, he criticized the Afghan interim authority for violating human rights and failing to uphold commitments concerning gender equality, thereby stunting Afghanistan’s chances for robust international collaboration.

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been historically complex, particularly in light of Afghanistan’s political changes and the rise of the Taliban. Following the Taliban’s resurgence, Pakistan has expressed both concerns and a desire to maintain humanitarian contact with the Afghan populace while addressing security concerns presented by militant groups such as the TTP. Munir Akram’s statements reflect Pakistan’s strategic approach to navigate its foreign policy amidst emerging regional challenges and ongoing human rights issues in Afghanistan.

In summation, Munir Akram’s insights on Afghanistan reveal Pakistan’s commitment to engagement with Afghan citizens while grappling with the implications of military and political developments under Taliban rule. His remarks underscore the importance of tactful diplomacy in addressing mutual concerns between the two nations, particularly regarding extremism and human rights. The ambassador’s calls for continued dialogue highlight Pakistan’s approach of balancing security interests with humanitarian responsibilities.

Original Source: dunyanews.tv

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