Musharraf Zaidi (Senior Journalist): It is yet another opportunity for Pakistan to present its narrative on the Afghanistan issue through an important forum. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an important regional organization. Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and four central Asian countries Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan will participate in the summit expected to be held on 16th and 17th of this month. The new Afghan cabinet has been announced and it is the time that the world must support the new government on humanitarian basis. The anarchy and instability in Afghanistan will destabilize the entire region.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (Spokesperson, Foreign Office): Pakistan has an official position on current Afghan situation and we have been advising the world community that it is the opportunity for the world to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan at this point of time and stay engage with new Afghan government to avert any humanitarian crisis in war-torn country. There is a dire need for positive and constructive engagement as far as the Afghan situation is concerned. Indian media has already been exposed in front of the world after projecting fake news. Foreign Office has already issued a statement rejecting the baseless Indian allegations against Pakistan's interference in Panjshir. Indian media has lost its credibility because of its anti-Pakistan propagandas. Many international organizations including EU, Disinfo Lab and other think tanks have already criticized Indian nefarious propagandas. Pakistan has an effective strategy to counter Indian nefarious policies and will continue to do so.

Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an important regional organization. Matters related to regional connectivity and other issues are discussed through this forum. Afghanistan has been on the agendas of the all of SCO’s recent foreign ministerial and heads of state meetings. China and Pakistan were equally concerned about Afghanistan being its next-door neighbor. Afghan Taliban have expressed willingness to be a part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project which is a welcoming development. The new Afghan government has ensured the neighboring countries that Afghan soil will not be used against another country. SCO can play an important role not only in improving infrastructure of Afghanistan but also for economic revival of the country.

Dr. Talat Wazarat (IR Expert): United States is expressing concerns over cabinet members of the interim government in Afghanistan claiming that these members are on the blacklist of the United Nations. But the fact is that these members were part of the Doha peace agreement signed between the United States and Afghan Taliban. Basically, it seems that the United States wants the Taliban to fulfill US demands before accepting the Taliban regime. We hope that the new political dispensation will work for peace and security in Afghanistan and address its people's humanitarian needs. Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to a peaceful, stable, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan. The neighboring countries and the world must respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. I am hopeful that the Afghan government will meet the aspirations of its own peoples and the expectations of the international community.