Pakistan making efforts for peace in Afghanistan: FM Qureshi

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday said Pakistan is hopeful that its sincere efforts for establishment of peace in Afghanistan will prove a success.

Speaking to an Afghan delegation comprising politicians, journalists, academics and businessmen in Islamabad, the minister assured the members of the delegation that Pakistan will continue its efforts for peace in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, Pakistan-Afghan relations and matters of mutual interest, including Afghan reconciliatory process were discussed.

The delegation members appreciated the role Pakistan has played for bringing the two sides on the dialogue table as part of the peace process.

The delegation presented its proposals to the foreign minister for building trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan and enhancing bilateral political and economic cooperation.

A day earlier, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held discussions with the country’s leadership on developments in the Afghan peace process.

During his visit, Khalilzad met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and senior military officials.

In his meetings, Khalilzad reiterated the end to the war would bring long overdue peace and stability for the Afghans and an independent Afghanistan that precludes it from being used by terrorists to attack the United States or any other country.