PAKISTAN has always shown its openheartedness towards the Afghan people regardless of the negative attitude and disaffection shown by the previous Afghan governments towards it.
At a time when Afghanistan is faced with dire humanitarian situation, Pakistan is at the forefront to project the plight of Afghan people.
Chairing a third meeting of the Apex Committee on Afghanistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan renewed Pakistan’ pledge not to abandon Afghans and assured to provide all out support to the Afghan people to avert a humanitarian crisis there.
Given the serious situation in Afghanistan, other countries must also come forward to rescue the poor Afghans from hunger and starvation.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that millions of Afghans are on the verge of death, noting that freezing temperatures and frozen assets are a lethal combination for the Afghans.
There indeed is no justification whatsoever to impose economic sanctions and restrictions on a country faced with such a situation.
The major capitals must therefore immediately respond to the UN $ 5 billion humanitarian appeal besides unfreezing the assets of Afghanistan.
Those speaking for the rights of common Afghans especially the education of girls must first act to save them from hunger and freezing weather conditions.
One may only pursue education only if his/her stomach is filled.
The international community needs to set its priorities right whilst rising above double standards.
It should not avenge its defeat in Afghanistan by ignoring the Afghan people.
If the situation deteriorates and deaths occur in Afghanistan due to shortage of food, the so- called flag bearers of human rights will be responsible for it.
It is also for the OIC to use its influence to get the economic sanctions lifted on Afghanistan.
The extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Islamabad last year had decided to set up a humanitarian fund for Afghanistan, which needs to be activated immediately and the member countries must contribute generously in order to save precious lives of our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan.
