Pak says solution to conflict lies in Afghan owned peace process

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan says solution to the Afghan conflict lies in an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesman Dr. Muhammad Faisal during his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

Answering to a question, he said in pursuance of that we have facilitated direct talks between the United States and Taliban.

The Spokesperson said we remain convinced that an intra-Afghan dialogue will lead to bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Dr Faisal said in our view, the intra-Afghan dialogue is crucial for success and sustainability of peace process in Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan will continue to support and facilitate Afghan peace process in good faith and as part of shared responsibility.

He said during the visit, the Prime Minister will call on Amir of Qatar and hold meeting with his Qatari counterpart to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister will also discuss the issue of exporting Pakistani manpower to Qatar. To a question, the Spokesperson said US President’s Special Representative on Peace and Reconciliation in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad is in Islamabad and he will have meetings with the Pakistani leadership today to advance the Afghan peace process.

He said according to our understanding, Zalmay Khalilzad spent last two days in Kabul for conversation with the Afghan leadership on the subject.

Responding a question, the Spokesperson categorically stated that India has no role to play in Afghanistan.

To another question, the Dr Muhammad Faisal said that his Royal Highness Saudi Prince Muhammad bin Salman will pay a visit to Pakistan next month and dates of his visit are being worked out.

He said both sides are actively pursuing to finalize the agreements and the memorandums of understanding for signing during the upcoming visit.

Touching upon the Kashmir issue, Foreign Office Spokesman said Pakistan continues to lend a strong political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Occupied Kashmir who are bearing the brunt of unabated Indian atrocities.

He said we strongly condemn the use of pallet guns and so-called search and cordon operations by the Indian forces against the innocent Kashmiris.

He said the occupation forces in a new low are resorting to firing even on funerals and even the dead persons are not finding peace in Occupied Kashmir.

He said Pakistan’s missions across the world continue to raise these gross human rights violations by Indian occupation forces with their interlocutors at the United Nations and other forums.

Answering a quarry about mal-treatment of a Pakistani diplomat by India, Dr Faisal said an official of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was detained on baseless charges and forced to sign a note. He was allowed to leave after Pakistan lodged a strong protest.

The Spokesperson said allowing such incidents violates the Vienna Convention on Consular and diplomatic norms. He said all these issues need to be resolved through diplomatic channels based on the agreement between the two countries.