Pakistan, Iran discuss ‘deteriorating’ security situation in Afghanistan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday discussed with Iran’s President-elect Ebrahim Raisi the “deteriorating” security situation in Afghanistan as a result of the US withdrawal from the country, Anadolu reported.

Khan’s office said in a statement that he had called Raisi to express his concern over the escalation of violence in neighbouring Afghanistan and warned that the recent security developments could lead to “serious” repercussions for both Pakistan and Iran including an influx of refugees.

“Khan stressed the need for a negotiated political solution to the decades-old conflict in the war-torn country,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Khan and Raisi also expressed concern about the “grave human rights situation” in Indian-administered Kashmir and in Palestine and stressed the need to resolve these long-standing differences in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

OPINION: If the US withdraws from Afghanistan, who will fill the security vacuum?

Clashes between the Afghan security forces and the Taliban are escalating as US forces are withdrawing from the country as part of a plan that will see all American troops pulled out by September 11.

Afghanistan has been suffering from violent war since 2001 when an international military coalition led by Washington overthrew the Taliban over its links to the Al-Qaeda militant group.

The majority of British troops have now withdrawn from Afghanistan, with flag-lowering ceremonies marking the final stages of a nearly 20-year campaign, Sky News reported this weekend. A few troops may remain, it added, to secure the British embassy.