Pakistan lauds UNSC, US decisions in support of Afghanistan to ease aid flow: FM

Pakistan lauds UNSC, US decisions in support of Afghanistan to ease aid flow: FM

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said that Pakistan welcomes two important developments taken place in support of the Afghan people following the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers' of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad on December 19.

“Following OIC session in Pakistan, welcome two important developments in support of Afghan people: UNSC resolution to provide aid to Afghanistan, supporting basic needs and the US exemption on US/UN officials doing permitted business with Taliban from US sanctions, to help ease aid flow,” the foreign minister said on Twitter.

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The foreign minister said the OIC session also succeeded in evolving consensus among the participants for appointing a special OIC envoy on Afghanistan humanitarian assistance, establishing a Trust Fund which also started receiving funds and launching a food security programme.

Qureshi said he would also talk to the member countries to consider the option of establishing an air corridor or others to ensure an urgent supply of food.

The Security Council resolution, passed unanimously Wednesday, said, “This resolution provides an exemption from the UN Security Council assets freeze against listed members of the Taliban and associated entities solely for the provision of humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan, which the council will review in one year.