Madam President, The Pakistan delegation congratulates you, and the French delegation, for a very successful Presidency of the Council during this month, says a press release received here today from New York. 2. We are also grateful to you for convening this discussion and wish to thank the Deputy SRSG Potzel Ms. Ghada Waly as well as Ms. Kofi for their briefings we have had today. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Roza Otunbayeva of Kyrgyzstan on her appointment as the newly appointed SRSG for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA. Madam President, 3. Afghanistan today presents a unique challenge. 95% of the nearly 30 million Afghans are living in virtual destitution without a functioning economy and banking system that would allow ordinary Afghans to make a living to be able to have a better future. 4. Pakistan would like to see an Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and the world, and which respects and nurtures all its citizens, without regard to gender, ethnicity and religion. 5. A peaceful, prosperous and connected Afghanistan is in our collective interest. As a neighbor, Pakistan has a vital stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan. We have led the humanitarian efforts to help our Afghan brothers and sisters in their present situation. 6. We must avoid another civil war, rising terrorism, drug trafficking or new refugees – which none of Afghanistan’s neighbors are in a position to accommodate. 7. Pakistan urges the international community to respond in a positive way to the UN Secretary General’s appeal for $4.2 billion in humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghanistan; to release Afghanistan’s financial reserves, which are essential to revive its banking system. 8. As reported by the Secretary General, there still remains a shortfall of $2.9 billion in the humanitarian response plan which he has presented. 9. The early resumption of reconstruction activities and implementation of regional connectivity projects with Central Asia which are shovel ready as well as the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan can provide a pathway to economic growth and stabilization in the country. However, it requires funds and financial stability. Afghanistan’s frozen national reserves should be released and channeled through Afghan institutions which can contribute to reviving the Afghan economy and its banking system. Without this, neither can trade take place effectively, nor can investment be expected. In the absence of such conditions, Afghanistan shall continue to remain on external life support and a constant danger of economic collapse. Madam President, 10. On human rights and girls’ education, the OIC countries, including Pakistan remain engaged through conversations between the Taliban and delegations of Islamic scholars and Ulema for finding ways and means to address the questions of Sharia and its interpretation, particularly with a view to facilitating education prospects for Afghan women and girls. We are hopeful that progress can be made through this process if it is done with persistence and patience. Meanwhile, Madam President, Afghan girls in the 4 million Afghans in refugee camps in Pakistan are going to schools and colleges. We know that many Afghans are sending their daughters to attend school in Pakistan. 11. As noted in the Secretary General’s report, the efforts by the interim Afghan Government to encourage the return of former Afghan officials to the country and announcement of general amnesty are elements that should be built upon in order to promote the goal of greater inclusivity in the governance of Afghanistan. Madam President, 12. For Pakistan, and for most of the international community, a most serious concern is terrorism emanating from and happening within Afghanistan. The recent rise in high profile targeted killings and bombings, including against the Russian embassy is a cause for special concern. Should we fail to provide the necessary and continued long term economic solutions to the Afghan people and to the authorities in Kabul, there is a risk of anti-Taliban groups, particularly ISIL-K gaining further strength in the country. We expect the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan’s territory from being utilized for terrorism against neighbours or any other country. In particular, eliminating the threat posed by ISIL-K that is Daesh, the TTP, ETIM and IMU, as well as Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, is of vital importance for Pakistan. We will support all sincere efforts to neutralize and eliminate these terrorist groups while fully respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. But the role of spoilers who wish to aid and abet terrorism against Pakistan from Afghan soil must also be checked and the terrorist networks they have established must be established in Afghanistan and the region. 13. Similarly, counter-narcotics efforts by the Taliban are at risk of getting reversed in the absence of alternate means of supporting livelihoods. Madam President, 13. Pakistan believes that the Security Council, the international community and UNAMA, must develop a workable roadmap to advance the objectives they seek: human rights, inclusivity and counter terrorism. The much maligned Doha Agreement and the resolutions adopted by the Security Council itself since then contain elements which can provide such a roadmap towards normalcy in Afghanistan. Pakistan is hopeful that the newly appointed SRSG will continue to maintain UNAMA’s constructive engagement with the Interim Government and find practical solutions to deal with the challenges that we face in Afghanistan. 14. For lasting peace and security in Afghanistan, sustained engagement remains the only practical way forward. To this end we hope that the travel ban exemptions will be reinstated forthwith. Pakistan will continue its endeavors to build peace and normalcy in Afghanistan within the format of Afghanistan’s six immediate neighbours plus Russia; within the OIC; with UNAMA, with the EU and with other friendly countries. I thank you.
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