INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Pakistan&s foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood on Monday stressed the importance of releasing Afghanistan&s frozen assets and facilitation of
banking operations to ease the economic hardships of the Afghan people and help build a sustainable economy, Geo news reported. During a
meeting with China&s Special Envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, the two officials exchanged views on the political and security
situation in Afghanistan, humanitarian assistance by Pakistan and China to Afghanistan, and other matters of mutual interest.According to a
statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Office, Mahmood underlined the importance for the Afghan side to address the international
community&s expectations regarding: inclusivity, respect for the rights of all Afghans, girls& education and effective counter-terrorism
measures.He also underscored Pakistan&s commitment to a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan.The foreign secretary
highlighted the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including Pakistan&s relief efforts in the wake of the devastating
earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on 22 June 2022, the report said.In the context of regional connectivity, both sides exchanged views on
the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to promote economic development and prosperity.He underscored
that the international community&s focus should not be diverted from the dire situation in Afghanistan owing to events taking place
elsewhere. While emphasizing continued constructive engagement and practical cooperation with the IEA officials, Mahmood highlighted the
central role of platforms such as Troika Plus and six neighboring countries of Afghanistan in advancing shared goals.Special Envoy
Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong appreciated the important and constructive role played by Pakistan in the context of Afghanistan
Both sides agreed that only a peaceful, stable and connected Afghanistan could &act as a fulcrum for enhanced regional trade and
connectivity&.The two officials met each other while Uzbekistan will host Pakistan and China in a conference on Afghanistan titled &Security
and Economic Developments& scheduled to be held on July 25-26.The post Pakistan stresses on release of Afghanistan&s frozen assets first
