COAS says stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday a meeting between Chairman Hizb-e-Wahadat Islami Afghanistan, former Chairman Afghan High Peace Council Mohammad Karim Khalili and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was held at General Headquarters (GHQ).

According to Inter Services Public Relations press release, COAS expressed his views saying that “Peace in Afghanistan means Peace in Pakistan.” He also maintained that a stable and prosperous Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours was in Pakistan’s national interest.

While underlining more details the ISPR press release mentioned that the matters of mutual interest, peace and stability in the region, connectivity and current developments in Afghan Peace Process were discussed during the meeting.

During the visit, the dignitaries also appreciated the constructive and positive role being played by Pakistan and the COAS vision on future of Pak-Afghan relations.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue its efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi held talk with an Afghan delegation led by Chairman of Hizb-e-Wahdat-e-Islami Muhammad Karim Khalili.

While expressing his views, Qureshi expressed satisfaction over the progress in intra Afghan dialogue saying it provides a unique opportunity to the Afghan leadership which must be seized for peace in Afghanistan.

Referring to India, Shah Mahmood Qureshi regretted that India is acting as a spoiler in Afghanistan and we have presented irrefutable evidence in this regard before the world community.

Foreign Minister emphasized that we are taking concrete steps for promotion of bilateral relations between the two countries. He remarked that Pakistan has also introduced “a new visa policy” to facilitate the Afghans.

The Foreign Minister remarked that Pakistan desires early but dignified return of the Afghan refugees to their homeland.
Whereas Muhammad Karim Khalili remarked that Pakistan’s facilitation role in the Afghan peace process.

He also expressed gratitude for Pakistani leadership and people for hosting the Afghan refugees over the last many decades.