Afghanistan Summons Pakistani Diplomat Over PM Imran Khan’s Remarks

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MoFA) summoned counselor of Pakistan Embassy in Kabul on Saturday over Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks regarding the establishment of a “new government” in Afghanistan.

MoFA spokesman Sebghatullah Ahmadi said in a tweet that the Pakistani diplomat was summoned and asked for clarification regarding remarks by PM Imran Khan over the establishment of a new government in Afghanistan in near future.

He said the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expressed its grave objection on Pakistan government and deemed such remarks a “flagrant interference” in its intern affairs.

This comes as Pakistan PM Imran Khan said on Friday that peace in Afghanistan is “around the corner,” citing ongoing U.S.-Taliban negotiations.

“Negotiations have been initiated with the Taliban. God willing, our brothers in Afghanistan would live together in peace in coming days,” Khan told a big public gathering in northwestern Bajaur tribal district on the Afghan border, reported by VOA.  

Without elaborating further, Khan asserted the peace process would result in stability, trade and economic prosperity for the region, and particularly for Afghanistan to enable the war-shattered country to stand on its own feet.

“A good government will be established in Afghanistan, a government where all Afghans will be represented. The war will end and peace will be established there,” Khan said as cited by VOA.

It comes as the fifth round of U.S.-Taliban talks ended on Monday, March 11 in Doha, Qatar. The sides reported progress, but no final deal on withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces and arrangements that the Taliban ensures militants would not use Afghanistan to stage attacks against the U.S. and its allies.