PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he has initiated talks with the Taliban for an inclusive government in Afghanistan by including Tajik, Hazara and Uzbek communities in the interim administration.
In a statement posted on the social networking site, Prime Minister Imran Khan said: “After meetings with the leaders of Afghanistan’s neighbors in Dushanbe, especially with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, I began negotiations with the Taliban for the inclusion of the Tajik, Hazara and Uzbek communities in the Afghan government for the sake of an inclusive government.”
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The Prime Minister said that “after 40 years of war, the involvement of all factions in the government will guarantee a peaceful and stable Afghanistan which is not only in the interest of Pakistan but also of the region.”
Earlier, PM Khan assured the Tajik president of his role in efforts to reduce tensions between the Tajik and Pashtun communities in Afghanistan. In a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on 17 September, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured that he would urge the Taliban to provide Tajik leaders, who are not resisting the Taliban, representation in the Afghan government.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he would also call for the continuation of humanitarian aid in Panjshir province. On Saturday, the Taliban’s interim cabinet has approved humanitarian aid for Panjshir. According to Afghan media, all roads leading to Panjshir have been reopened and telecommunication services have been restored. The Taliban have recently claimed control of Panjshir, Afghanistan’s last stronghold.
The international community and Islamabad has been asking for an inclusive government in Afghanistan since the Taliban have captured Kabul on 15 August. During his addressing to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for an inclusive government to restore lasting peace in Afghanistan.