ISLAMABAD: German Foreign Minister Baerbock has slammed the Taliban's authority in Afghanistan, saying the country is headed in the "wrong way."
FM Baerbock has pledged his support and humanitarian assistance to Afghan women and girls who have suffered the most under the Taliban regime.
At a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Germany's top diplomat remarked, "When we look over the border, the Taliban is leading the country to a disaster."
Since the change of administration in Pakistan, this is the first visit by a foreign minister from a western nation.
The German foreign minister met with her Pakistani counterpart in official talks about bilateral ties, Afghanistan, the Russia-Ukraine situation, and other topics.
Baerbock offered a strong warning about Afghanistan, claiming that the Taliban were leading the country in the wrong way.
"Parents are stumped when it comes to feeding their children. Girls are denied access to school. Women are virtually completely barred from public life. Dissenting voices are violently silenced. The economy has come to a stop "Baerbock stated.
She went on to say that the world community must unify and tell the Taliban that the country is "going in the wrong way."
"There is no place for normalcy and even less for acceptance of the Taliban as legitimate rulers of the nation as long as they continue along this route," she said, emphasizing that the Taliban rule will not be legitimized.
Despite his grave fears about the Taliban's reign, FM German went on to say that the international community will not "forget and leave" the Afghan people.
"It is not the people's fault. The Taliban deposed the government and have cemented their hold over Afghan society since then. We will continue to give humanitarian assistance and support to those who need it most, particularly women and girls, who bear the brunt of the Taliban's oppression."
She warned that Moscow had created a terrible precedent by invading the neighbouring nation, referring to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"The invasion by Russia sets a bad precedent. If the law of the stronger prevails above international law, our world becomes more perilous."
Foreign Minister Bilawal stated that Pakistan's position on the Russia-Ukraine crisis has not changed, and that Pakistan, as a smaller and developing country, would continue to push for international law and regulations.
Bilawal voiced worry about the humanitarian crisis that has erupted in Ukraine as a result of Russia's invasion.
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has stated that he was deposed by a US plot because he intended to pursue an independent foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
In addition, the German Foreign Minister expressed alarm over the human rights situation in India's illegally occupied Kashmir (IIOJK).
"We appreciate the United Nations' efforts. Also, with regard to the situation in Kashmir, to ensure that all human rights are respected by the various UN entities."
She went on to say that the positive approach and confidence-building measures were the best way to strengthen Pakistan-India ties.
She also praised the 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two countries along the Line of Control (LoC). FM Baerbock emphasised the importance of both parties lowering tensions.
Annalena Baerbock, Germany's foreign minister, had earlier arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit to discuss issues of mutual interest with Pakistan's leadership.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, and other top officials greeted her warmly when she arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FM Bhutto invited Foreign Minister Baerbock to Pakistan. The two foreign ministers will undertake delegation-level talks about bilateral interests and exchange perspectives on regional and global problems during their visit.
Annalena Baerbock also planted a seedling on the grounds of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with her Pakistani colleague.