FM’s suggestion to Biden

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that his country has hopes for greater engagement with the new United States government and called on Joe Biden to follow up on the ongoing Afghan peace process and US troops withdrawal from the country. Qureshi suggested that Biden administration should realize, there is an opportunity in Afghanistan, and they should persevere with what was initiated and not reverse things,”. He noted, “Push them forward, because, after a long time, we have started moving in the right direction.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi tuned in to the right topic timely, equally important to the United States, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the region. After two decades, the people of Afghanistan see a ray of hope for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The ongoing Afghanistan reconciliation Process has reached at a significant stage due to long and continuous efforts of United States, Pakistan, Afghan leadership, Taliban and international community. All parties played equally important role in journey toward peace and stability in Afghanistan. However, few factions inside Afghanistan and their masters abroad are continuously opposing ongoing peace process, and in efforts to disrupt and de-track it, for their vested interests.

Trump administration gave high priority to Afghan peace process and remained successful in driving the process to this stage despite the resistance offered by various quarters. Previous US administration fulfilled all its obligations toward Afghan peace process so far. Currently, various stakeholders of Afghan peace process are looking consciously toward new US administration for its forthcoming policy on Afghan peace Process.

Pakistan Foreign Minister expressed hope for future continuation of Afghan peace process by US administration so the gains achieved over past two years can be secured. Qureshi rightly said that Pakistan has done a lot, and really bent backwards to create an environment to facilitate the peace process. He warned the US about “spoilers” of peace, with in Afghan players, who have benefited from the war economy in the past. He also pointed out the elements from outside who do not share the vision of a peaceful, stable, prosperous Afghanistan. Therefore, Biden administration should continue the policy of previous administration to end decades long conflict in Afghanistan.