Pakistan is "committed to providing all-out support to Afghan people to avert a humanitarian crisis", Prime Minister Imran Khan said, offering to send trained and specialist personnel to the country.

Chairing a meeting of the Apex Committee on Afghanistan, Khan said on Friday, “We welcome the United Nations (UN) appeal for aid to Afghanistan,” and also expressed concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and vowed that Pakistan would not abandon Afghans in their time of need.

He also directed different agencies to explore bilateral cooperation with friendly countries as well to stave off the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by "exporting qualified and trained manpower especially in medical, IT, finance, and accounting", a statement that irked some Afghans who hold Islamabad responsible for the exodus of educated Afghans by helping the Taliban back to power.  

Railways, minerals, pharmaceuticals, and media among other areas are where Khan offered to send trained personnel in Afghanistan’s rehabilitation and development.

During the review of progress on coordination efforts, Khan also urged the international community and relief agencies to provide aid at this critical juncture to avert economic collapse and to save precious lives in Afghanistan, reported The Express Tribune. 

Zia Wahaj, a former Afghan businessman, now in exile, reacted to Khan’s offer on Twitter: “Taliban’s silence in this regard is a testimony of their willingness to accept Pakistan’s expertise and a stamp on the patron-client relationship between the two.” 

Furthermore, some even questioned the logic of sending Pakistani personnel to Afghanistan which is going through a high unemployment rate, even among highly educated youth, those who are still left in the country. 

Khan’s announcement hasn’t gone down well with a section of Afghans, especially those from the anti-Taliban camp. For them, it is another sign reinforcing their belief that Islamabad wants to give them colonial treatment. Others also mocked the offer, casting doubts on Pakistan’s ability to help Afghanistan. 

Another fact that hasn't gone down well with them is Pakistan’s persistent delay in allowing New Delhi’s 50,ooo metric tonnes of wheat shipment in humanitarian assistance. Over four months have passed since India made the offer, and Pakistan is yet to provide clearance.

(SAM)