In a bid to ensure aid and drum up support for a financially stressed Taliban-ruled Afghanistan among the Islamic world, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has appealed to three Middle-East countries to stand by the Afghan people and help them economically.

Imran Khan also stressed an "inclusive political settlement" as the best course to adopt in the war-ravaged nation and called for help to rebuild Afghanistan during telephonic conversations with the crown princes of Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi and the emir of Qatar.

According to the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office, Imran Khan discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest situation in Afghanistan during all three conversations.

He also highlighted the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region, amidst reports that the Taliban are preparing to unveil their new government nearly three weeks after they captured Kabul, Dawn reported.

During his call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Imran underscored that the international community had "the responsibility to stand by the Afghan people and support them economically as well as to help rebuild the country".

The premier also emphasized the need to address Afghanistan's urgent humanitarian needs and take steps to ensure its economic stability.

While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has halted Afghanistan’s access to the lending agency’s funds, the US government has stopped cash shipments and frozen Afghan assets.

"Both the leaders agreed on the importance of an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan," the statement said, adding that they also called upon the international community to "step up its engagement" to avert any humanitarian and refugee crises.

Conversing with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, the premier called for the protection of the rights of the people of Afghanistan, according to the PMO.

Imran stressed that the international community must remain engaged to support the Afghan people and address their dire humanitarian needs.

In his conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Imran Khan said after 40 years of conflict and instability, there was an opportunity to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan.

He said the world community "must remain positively engaged and support the Afghan people at this crucial juncture – both economically and to help rebuild the country".

The Taliban have had long-standing ties with Pakistan, which also reportedly helped the hardline Islamist militia with air support and medical aid during the recent civil war.

(SAM)