Islamabad: 06 Jan 2022

 

Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser chaired the meeting of Afghanistan Inter Ministrial Coordination Cell (AICC) in Islamabad today. 

 

Mr. Moeed Yusuf, the National Security Adviser and Convener of AICC welcomed the Speaker and made a detailed presentation  about AICC and the progress made so far on various initiatives undertaken by the forum to facilitate the process of humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan.

 

Speaker was informed that Rs. 5 billion assistance package announced by the Prime Minister of Pakistan included immediate supply of food commodities, life saving drugs and winter supplies and shelter including tents and blankets. The process of issuance of visas to international non government organisations (INGO) wanting to work for humanitarian assistance as well as medical, business. Special dispensation is now in place for any INGO willing to support Afghanistan’s humanitarian assistance efforts from Pakistan.  Similarly, facilitation was offered to stranded patients for their return to Afghanistan.

 

It was informed that a proposal for grant of long term residency to foreign investors was being formalized for final approval by the Prime Minister. Similarly, modalities were being worked out for commencement of bus service between Peshawar - Jalalabad and Quetta - Kandhar. Meeting was informed that a delegation of high-ranking officials would soon visit Afghanistan for further engagement with Afghan government on all assistance-related prospects. 

 

Speaker National Assembly appreciated AICC for the well-coordinated efforts for helping the neighboring country in dealing with the crisis. He stressed that the world must not abandon people of Afghanistan in their time of need. He said peace and stability in Afghanistan offered enormous opportunities not only to the Afghan people but also to Pakistan in terms of access to Central Asian countries for greater trade and connectivity.

 

The meeting was also attended by Mr Shahzad Arbab, Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Mr Muhammad Sadiq Khan, Special Representative for Afghanistan along with senior  govt officials.

 

A senior delegation of Pakistani officials headed by the National Security Adviser is scheduled to visit Afghanistan soon.