Pakistan, Iran to face refugees influx in case of a civil war in Afghanistan: FM Qureshi

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan and Iran will face the influx of refugees in case of a civil war in Afghanistan.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Friday, he said that the government wants to regulate the border crossing. "We will end the option of 'Free For All' at the Afghan border," he added.

The minister said that the government did not want a surge in terrorism in Pakistan like the past. "Pakistan sacrificed 70,000 lives and suffered a loss of US$150 billion," he added.

He said that Pakistan would present the proposal of power sharing to avoid a civil war in Afghanistan. "Pakistan is accommodating refugees despite limited resources and cannot accommodate more refugees," he added.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the TTP could strengthen in Pakistan due to domination of the Taliban thought and it would be harmful for Pakistan.

He said that Turkey can also play a role in Afghanistan. "Istanbul had taken good steps in the Afghan peace process," he added.