ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar participated in an event on “Afghanistan: The Path Forward” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
The Minister of State highlighted that as an immediate neighbour, with a 2600 km border, Pakistan has to deal with Afghanistan with a broader lens that encompasses all dimensions – peace, security, and socio-economic development.
As a country that has constitutional provisions for women to have an equal and effective role in all institutions and walks of life, Pakistan looks towards full respect for and enjoyment of fundamental rights of women and girls, especially the right to education.
Pakistan is equally concerned about the devastating effects of the serious humanitarian situation and economic implosion on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Afghans.
She underlined that both the international community and the interim Afghan government need to revisit their approaches by prioritizing the interests and aspirations of the ordinary Afghans. This would be essential to avoid a further exacerbation of the already dire economic situation.
The Minister of State emphasized that persistent, patient, and prudent engagement of the international community would go a long way in achieving the shared objectives of a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, UN Development Programme (UNDP) also delivered remarks at the event as a panelist. The attendees included representatives from the business community, civil society organizations and international media.
