Pakistan says ‘closely following’ situation in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s eastern neighbour says embassy is open and ‘offering assistance’ to those seeking consular help or visas.

Pakistan’s government says it is “closely following” developments in Afghanistan, as Taliban fighters surrounded the Afghan capital Kabul and panicked civilians prepared for a possible Taliban takeover of the country. In a statement released on Sunday, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, the spokesman of the Pakistani foreign ministry, said the Pakistani embassy staff were providing assistance to those needing consular help or passage on flights out of the country. “Pakistan is closely following the unfolding situation in Afghanistan,” said Chaudhri. “Pakistan will continue to support the efforts for political settlement. We hope all Afghan sides will work together to resolve this internal political crisis.”