PM’s comments on interim government in Afghanistan ‘misinterpreted’: FO

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP):The Foreign Office on Wednesday said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement
on setting up interim government in Afghanistan, was reported ‘out of context’ in
the media, leading to unwarranted reaction from various quarters.

“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,” the
Foreign Office clarified in a statement issued here.

The statement came in response to a tweet by US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday who said that the future of Afghanistan
was to be decided by Afghans themselves and the role of international community was to encourage them to come together for the purpose.

The Foreign Office categorically said that Pakistan had no other interest in Afghanistan but to promote peace through an ‘Afghan-owned’ and ‘Afghan-led’
political process.

It mentioned that Prime Minister Imran Khan took personal interest in facilitating
the ongoing political reconciliation process and stressed that “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 understands the plight of brave people of Afghanistan, who
have a right to live in peace after four decades of violence and war,” it said.