Pakistan says Taliban to soon form ‘consensus’ government

Islamabad, Aug 31 (EFE).- Pakistan said Tuesday that the Taliban are set to form a “consensus” government in the coming days and called on the international community not to isolate Afghanistan, following the complete withdrawal of US troops from the country.

“We expect that a consensus government will be formed in the coming days in Afghanistan,” Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said at a press conference in Islamabad along with his German counterpart, Heiko Maas.

Qureshi also urged the international community to remain involved in Afghanistan.

“Humanitarian assistance must flow. Do not let the economic collapse in Afghanistan take place,” underlined the minister.

Pakistan has maintained relations with the Taliban during the 20 years of war, something that led the United States to pull up the authorities at Islamabad more than once for helping the Islamist militant group.

Qureshi’s statements come just a few hours after the Taliban declared the “complete independence” of Afghanistan, following the total withdrawal of the US by last midnight.

Amid the celebrations in Kabul airport, the Taliban also stressed on the formation of an “inclusive” Islamic government.

Maas, who arrived Monday on a two-day visit to Islamabad, said it remains to be seen whether the Taliban keep their promises.

“It is important for us that all Afghans, even those who do not support the Taliban, feel represented by this government and it remains to be seen whether the Taliban take this into account,” said Maas.

The German diplomatic head remarked that the Taliban have promised that they will allow more Afghans to leave the country after evacuation operations conclude.