ISLAMABAD: The meeting of Afghanistan Inter Ministerial Coordination Cell (AICC) was held here on Thursday with Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser in the chair.

National Security Adviser and Convener of AICC, Dr Moeed Yusuf presented a detailed presentation about AICC and the progress made so far on various initiatives undertaken by the forum to facilitate the process of humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan.

The Speaker was informed that five billion assistance package announced by the Prime Minister of Pakistan included immediate supply of food commodities, lifesaving drugs, winter supplies and shelters comprising tents and blankets. It was told that special dispensation is now in place for any International Non-Government Organization willing to support Afghanistan’s humanitarian assistance efforts from Pakistan.

It was informed that a proposal for grant of long-term residency to foreign investors is being formalized for final approval by the Prime Minister. Speaking on the occasion, Asad Qaisar stressed that the world must not abandon people of Afghanistan in their time of need.

He said peace and stability in Afghanistan offer enormous opportunities not only to Afghans but also to the people of Pakistan in terms of access to Central Asian countries for greater trade and connectivity.