PM Imran’s comments on Afghanistan misinterpreted: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Wednesday said Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent comments on Afghanistan were reported out of context in the media, leading to an unwarranted reaction from various quarters.

In a statement following a row over the PM's remarks, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said the prime minister had referred to Pakistan's model, where elections are held under an interim government, and said his comments should not be misinterpreted to imply interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has no other interest in Afghanistan, but to promote peace through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led political process.

Dr Faisal said the prime minister has taken a personal interest in facilitating the ongoing political reconciliation process and the same must not be misconstrued to undermine the sincere efforts of Pakistan or to create misunderstandings at this crucial stage of the process.

He said the prime minister understands the plight of the brave people of Afghanistan, who have a right to live in peace after four decades of violence and war.

Afghanistan recalled its ambassador from Pakistan on Tuesday after Prime Minister Imran Khan was reported by local media as saying that forming an interim Afghan government would smooth peace talks between US and Taliban officials, since the Taliban refused to speak to the current government.

The premier was also quoted as saying to Pakistani journalists that the Afghan Taliban wanted to meet him but the government in Kabul protested so he did not meet them.

Pakistan wants friendly relations with Afghanistan. If there is peace in Afghanistan then there will be peace in Pakistan, PM Imran had said.