Pakistan to recognise Taliban on basis of regional consensus

Pakistan says it will recognise the Taliban government when a regional consensus emerges on the issue.

Pakistan’s UN envoy Munir Akram said this after the Security Council voted to establish formal ties with Afghanistan without recognising the Islamic Emirate.

The resolution drew overwhelming support from the powerful UN council, with 14 members voted for the resolution and Russia abstaining.

Seeking greater flexibility in dealing with Afghanistan’s new rulers, Pakistan too has not recognised the Taliban government.

Ambassador Akram faulted the UN resolution for lacking any reference to the de facto government in Afghanistan,

Pakistan’s newspaper Dawn quoted Akram as saying on the recognition question: “We will do it when there’s a consensus, especially among regional countries.”

China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are expected to take up the Taliban recognition issue next month.