International community must not abandon Afghanistan — Pakistani FM

Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (C) is addressing a press conference in Islamabad on August 12, 2021. (AN Photo)
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Updated 16 August 2021
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International community must not abandon Afghanistan — Pakistani FM

  • Shah Mahmood Qureshi says the region can’t afford continued instability in Afghanistan
  • Islamabad vows to keep playing constructive role for peaceful, united and prosperous Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: The international community must engage in efforts for peace in Afghanistan and not disconnect with the war-torn country, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday.

The statement comes after the Taliban entered Kabul on Sunday having taken control of much of the rest of Afghanistan:

“Pakistan wants that the International community should engage with the situation in Afghanistan and not disconnect [with the country],” Qureshi told reporters in Islamabad after meeting with a delegation of Afghan leaders representing multiple ethnic groups that is visiting Islamabad from August 15-18. “I got a chance to present Pakistan’s point of view and understand their expectations from Pakistan.”

A “suitable” solution to address the situation in Afghanistan was possible through political settlement, the foreign minister said.

In his meeting with the Afghan delegates, Qureshi said South Asia could not afford continued instability in Afghanistan as it would negatively impact the objective of a peaceful and connected region.

“Pakistan considered all segments of the Afghan society important in the final destiny of Afghanistan,” the foreign office quoted him as saying.

Qureshi also expressed hope the Afghan leaders would take advantage of international support for peace and reconciliation and work in the supreme national interest of their country and according to the aspirations of its people.

Emphasizing that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest, he reaffirmed that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role to support a peaceful, united and prosperous Afghanistan.


Kazakhstan president to explore trade, connectivity cooperation in first state visit to Pakistan this week

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Kazakhstan president to explore trade, connectivity cooperation in first state visit to Pakistan this week

  • Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to visit Pakistan from Feb. 3-4 with high-level delegation, says Pakistan’s foreign office
  • Kazakh president to meet Pakistani counterpart, hold talks with PM Shehbaz Sharif and address Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum

ISLAMABAD: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will explore bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in trade, regional connectivity, logistics and other sectors when he undertakes his first official visit to the country this week, Pakistan’s foreign office said on Monday. 

Tokayev will arrive in Pakistan leading a high-level delegation comprising senior cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials from Feb. 3-4, the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement. 

Tokayev is expected to meet his Pakistani counterpart President Asif Ali Zardari, hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and address the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum during the visit, the foreign office said. 

“The visit will provide the two sides an important and timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, discuss new avenues for broadening cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts, and explore collaboration at regional and international forums,” the statement said. 

The foreign office said Tokayev’s visit reflects the strengthening bonds between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, their mutual commitment to transforming historic and cultural affinities into robust cooperation, as well as their common desire for peace and progress in the region. 

Relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan are rooted in shared Islamic heritage and a growing strategic partnership, with Pakistan offering landlocked Central Asian republics access to southern seaports for global trade. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan when it gained independence in December 1991 and formally established diplomatic relations with it on Feb. 24, 1992. 

The two countries have held regular interactions over the past couple of years on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meetings and other international events. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu visited

Pakistan in September 2025 to discuss economic and trade cooperation with Islamabad. 

Islamabad and Astana engage with each other to promote business and political ties via three forums mainly, which are: Bilateral Political Consultations, the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, and the Joint Business Council. 

According to the government of Kazakhstan, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to $53.7 million in 2024. Pakistan’s main exports to Kazakhstan include citrus fruits, pharmaceutical products, garments, soap, sports equipment and gear and others.

Kazakhstan’s exports to Pakistan primarily include onions and garlic, dried leguminous vegetables, oats, buckwheat and other cereal grains, seeds and fruits of other oil-bearing crops, among others.