ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has underlined that an inclusive political settlement is the best course forward.
Exchanging views with President European Council Charles Michel on the unfolding situation in Afghanistan in a telephonic conversation on Thursday, the prime minister highlighted the positive role of Pakistan in facilitating evacuation of diplomatic personnel and staff of international organisations and others from Afghanistan.
The prime minister shared Pakistan’s perspective, stressing that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region. He underscored the importance of ensuring safety and security as well as protection of the rights of all Afghans.
He expressed the hope that the Afghan leaders would continue to work together to achieve that end. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan will steadfastly support all efforts in this direction.
He underscored that stabilising the security situation in Afghanistan is essential to preserve peace, effectively respond to any humanitarian challenges and ensure economic well-being of the Afghan people in their country. He added that the current situation in Afghanistan required sustained engagement of the international community.
The prime minister and president of the European Council agreed that both sides remain in contact and coordinate closely on the situation in Afghanistan.
The prime minister also extended an invitation to the president of the European Council to visit Pakistan.
The president of the European Council thanked the Prime Minister for hosting evacuees in transit.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan received a telephone call from President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masatsugu Asakawa.
The ADB president appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating evacuation of the ADB personnel stranded at the Kabul Airport.
Prime Minister Khan also acknowledged the cooperation of the ADB with Pakistan in mitigating the negative impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, including supporting procurement of Covid vaccines.
PM SHARES NAMES WITH SHAHBAZ SHARIF TO FILL VACANT SEATS IN ECP: Prime Minister Imran Khan has shared three names, each, to fill the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) vacant seats for Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif, confirmed Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday.
Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, along with an undated letter, that PM Imran Khan has shared three names each for the vacant seats under Article 213 and 218.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan has written a letter to the leader of the opposition under Articles 213 and 218 of the Constitution for the vacant posts of members in the Election Commission and has proposed three names (each) for Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa,” read the tweet of the minister.
The minister said that the vacant seats will be filled in ECP after a response is submitted by the opposition. PM Imran, in his letter shared by the information minister, explained to the opposition leader in the lower house of the parliament that he has shared his nominees under Articles 213 (2A) and Article 218 (2)(b).
The PM also informed that he had written in wiring as the Supreme Court ruling has said that the “consultative process should be in writing”.
“In light of the above, I hereby initiate the process of consultation in writing and accordingly propose one of the following candidates, to be selected as members of the ECP from Punjab and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, respectively,” reads the letter.
For Punjab PM Imran has nominated Ahsan Mahboob, a retired grade 22 policeman; Raja Amer Khan, an advocate of the Supreme Court; and Dr Syed Pervaiz Abbas, a retired BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service.
For Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the PM has nominated Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan, Faridullah Khan, a retired BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service; and Muzammil Khan, an advocate of the Supreme Court.
