ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved the transit of aid to Afghanistan at the request of the United Nations, the Foreign Office said.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarbi told a weekly briefing that the aid will be sent in three phases. The first phase will deliver food, the second phase medicine, and the third phase other essential items.
Andarabi also highlighted recent diplomatic visits. Kyrgyzstan’s president recently visited Pakistan and held meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister also visited Pakistan, during which the Pakistan-Egypt Business Council was announced. The council’s next meeting will take place in Cairo next year. Pakistani students will also receive scholarships to study at Al-Azhar University.
The Foreign Office emphasised that Pakistan has no relations or cooperation with Israel, dismissing all related rumours as false.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar contacted Malaysia’s Foreign Minister. Meanwhile, 200 tons of relief aid were shipped by sea to Sri Lanka to assist flood victims.
Several memoranda of understanding were signed during the visits. Both countries agreed to enhance economic cooperation and trade. Discussions also covered regional and global peace and security.
Officials said both sides committed to ensuring action against terrorist elements by the Afghan regime.
It is pertinent to mention here that all major crossings — including Spin Boldak at Chaman, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan, Angoor Adda in South Waziristan, Kharlachi in Kurram, and Torkham in Khyber — were closed for 54 consecutive days, disrupting trade and stranding thousands of travellers.
