ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Office has said that comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Afghanistan have been reported out of context in the media, leading to unwarranted reaction from various quarters.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said that in his comments, the prime minister 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. Pakistan has no other interest in Afghanistan but to promote peace through an ‘Afghan owned’ and ‘Afghan led’ political process,” the Foreign Office said.
It said that the prime minister of Pakistan 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.
The prime minister of Pakistan understands the plight of brave people of Afghanistan, who have a right to live in peace after four decades of violence and war, it added.
In a meeting with journalists in Islamabad on Monday, Imran Khan reportedly said that forming an interim Afghan government would smooth peace talks between the United States and Taliban officials since the militant group refuses to speak to the current government.
Later Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s Deputy Ambassador over reported remarks by Prime Minister Imran Khan that suggested that Kabul should set up an interim government, calling the comments “irresponsible”.
1/3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, summoned the Deputy Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with respect to the recent irresponsible remarks of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/HnVaB5zVD2
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) March 26, 2019
2/3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its grave objection on Pakistani PM’s recent reckless statements about the peace process and establishment of an interim government, deemed such statements an obvious example of Pakistan’s interventional policy
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) March 26, 2019
3/3 and disrespect to the national sovereignty and determination of the people of Afghanistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also recalled Afghanistan’s Ambassador from Islamabad for further discussions on the matter.
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) March 26, 2019
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