ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan is determined to provide humanitarian assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan and its people.
Talking to his Canadian Counterpart Marc Garneau via video link on Wednesday when the two foreign ministers exchanged views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, Qureshi said that Pakistan wants an inclusive and political settlement in Afghanistan for durable peace in the war-torn Country.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi has urged the international community to ensure financial support to the Afghan people to prevent human tragedy in Afghanistan.
The foreign minister also apprised his Canadian Counterpart about the assistance provided by Pakistan for the safe evacuation of diplomats of various Countries, members of the international media, and workers of international organizations from Kabul.
The Canadian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Pakistan for supporting the evacuation process and providing logistical support in running rescue missions for Canadian citizens successfully. He especially lauded the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, in particular its Crisis Management Unit, in ensuring seamless repatriation of Canadian officials and nationals from Afghanistan. He informed that Canada had provided 50 million Canadian dollars of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would continue to provide all possible support in evacuation of stranded Canadian citizens as well as for providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
In the bilateral context, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan called upon the Canadian Government to ease the visa regime for Pakistani nationals, in particular students. He also asked for positive revision of travel advisory for Pakistan like the UK as well as United Nations and other partners.
This was the third call by the Canadian Foreign Minister in the quick succession, reflective of close coordination and understanding between Pakistan and Canada.
