PM calls on Afghan president, discusses counter-terrorism efforts

The prime minister said the two countries were committed to transform the mutual relationship

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani where the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest as well as matters pertaining to terrorism.

Both leaders spoke after the prime minister spoke to an eighteen-member delegation of the Afghan Parliament in Islamabad earlier today, where Nawaz had said that a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interest, Radio Pakistan reported.  

The prime minister said the two countries were committed to transform the relationship with a special focus on enhanced political engagement, deeper security and counter terrorism cooperation, expanded trade and economic partnership, and regional cooperation.

He added that such parliamentary exchanges are very useful in bringing the people of two countries closer.

He also said Operation Zarb-e-Azb had dismantled terrorist networks and their infrastructure in North Waziristan.

Adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Political Secretary to the prime minister Dr Asif Kirmani, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Senator Afrasiab Khattak and MNA Mr Aftab Sherpao were also present during the meeting.

The Afghan parliamentarians condemned the attack in Peshawar and said peace is in the best interest of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The parliamentarians said Afghanistan values Pakistan's commitment towards lasting peace and also invited the PM to visit Afghanistan at his earliest convenience.

The Afghan delegation was being jointly led by Chairman International Affairs Commission Wolesi Jirga Abdul Qader Zazai and Senator Baz Mohammad Zormati.

The delegation is in Islamabad to attend the 12th session of the dialogue between parliamentarians of Pakistan and Afghanistan arranged by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency.