ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has proposed a six-point framework to support the Afghan people.
In his welcome address during 17th extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad on Sunday, he said we should create a vehicle within the OIC to channel immediate and sustained humanitarian and financial support to the Afghan people including the pledges from the OIC and other donors.
He said we should agree to increase investment for the Afghan people bilaterally or through the OIC in areas such as education, health, technical and vocational skills to the Afghan youth.
A group of experts comprising the OIC, the UN and international financial institutions be established to consider ways and means to facilitate Afghan access to legitimate banking system and ease liquidity challenge of Afghan people.
We should focus on enhancing food security of the Afghan people and the Islamic organization of food security must lead this effort.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said we should engage with the Afghan authorities to help meet the expectations of the international community regarding political and social inclusivity, respect for human rights especially of women and girls and combating terrorism.
Alluding to the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and threat of economic meltdown there, the Foreign Minister said this is a moment to extend a collective helping hand and not withhold support.
He said that Pakistan concurred with the United Nations Secretary General that the humanitarian assistance be provided without conditions.
