WASHINGTON: US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has stressed that Pakistan must be part of a “sustainable solution” to the conflict in Afghanistan, as the situation in the country evolves rapidly with the withdrawal of foreign troops.
The lawmaker’s comments came after his discussion with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed Khan, where both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan.
“Any sustainable solution in Afghanistan must include Pakistan,” the US senator wrote on Twitter, calling the region “very complicated” and the current period “dangerous”, two days after explosions rocked Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
Any sustainable solution in Afghanistan must include Pakistan.
We all must remember Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation, and there is a Pakistan version of the Taliban who wishes topple the Pakistani government and military.
Very complicated region and dangerous times.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 27, 2021
“We all must remember Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation, and there is a Pakistan version of the Taliban who wishes to topple the Pakistani government and military,” Graham said.
Lindsey Graham also appreciated the Pakistani government’s efforts to help evacuate people aspiring to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. “Very much appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani government to assist with the evacuation of US citizens, our allies, and other nations,” he added.
Responding to Graham’s tweets, the Pakistani ambassador said he had spoken to the senator on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and briefed him on Pakistan’s efforts to support evacuations from Afghanistan.
Just spoke to Senator Graham on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Briefed him on our efforts to support evacuations from Afghanistan. @PakinUSA @ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/kKmZVx5IxG
— Asad M. Khan (@asadmk17) August 27, 2021
A few days ago, the US had reached out to Pakistan and half a dozen other countries it believes can influence the situation in Afghanistan. The foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, Russia, India and Turkey and the foreign secretary of Britain were among the top diplomats US Secretary of State spoke with on Aug 16.
Later, Blinken had called his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi to discuss Afghanistan and the developing situation there. Qureshi had assured Blinken that Pakistan would remain closely engaged with the US and other international partners in “promoting efforts for supporting a peaceful and stable Afghanistan”.
The foreign minister had stressed the importance of an “inclusive political settlement as the best way forward” in Afghanistan and the need for the US to continue economic engagement with Afghanistan.
