Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi slammed India for its “partisan and obstructionist actions” after Pakistan was denied the opportunity to address a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Afghanistan for the second time this month.
India, the UNSC president for the current month, had earlier denied Pakistan the opportunity to speak during the council’s meeting on August 6.
In a series of tweets, Qureshi termed the development “unfortunate” and pointed out that after Afghanistan, it was Pakistan that had “undeniably” been a victim of the decades-long conflict in the neighbouring country.
“At this critical juncture in the destiny of Afghanistan, India’s partisan & obstructionist actions, repeatedly politicising this multilateral platform [whose] raison dêtre is peace, speaks volumes of their intention for [Afghanistan] & the region,” he said.
Talking about Pakistan’s efforts, the foreign minister said the country “continues to demonstrate a constructive role in Afghanistan, including facilitating peace that is Afghan-led and owned among many economic and humanitarian efforts”.
He noted that the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul was “working tirelessly” to issue visas and evacuate diplomats, staff of non-governmental organisations operating in Afghanistan and media personnel.
“Pakistan cannot stress enough the importance of the international community to remain engaged and involved in Afghanistan in a constructive manner,” he added.
‘Most regrettable’
India’s decision was also denounced by Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, who said that Pakistan has a vital stake in the peace and stability of Afghanistan, where the Taliban have now taken control of the government.
“It is most regrettable that Pakistan’s request to participate in the Security Council meeting was once again blocked by the Indian Presidency,” Akram told reporters after the conclusion of the council meeting. AFP
