A golden opportunity: ‘Conference will boost Pak-Afghan ties’

Asfandyar says ties between both countries are not strong at this stage

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan has said the fifth Heart of Asia ministerial conference will help strengthen relations with Afghanistan and restore peace in the region.

This was mentioned in a press release issued from Bacha Khan Markaz on Tuesday.

According to the document, Asfandyar emphasised the importance of stable and positive diplomatic relations with the neighbouring country.

“We can’t change who our neighbours are on the world map,” the statement quoted him as saying. “It would be wise to develop a healthy and progressive relationship with Afghanistan.”

He pointed out relations between both countries are not particularly strong at this stage.

“Communication gaps between Afghanistan and Pakistan must be eliminated to develop a greater level of trust,” the document quoted Asfandyar as saying. “A mutual decision needs to be made by both countries to ensure their territories are not used to harm each other.”

The ANP chief said it had been Bacha Khan’s aim to reduce tensions between both countries and guarantee peace and prosperity.

“It would be ideal and desirable if citizens of both countries work for the betterment of Afghanistan and Pakistan without fear of any violence,” read the statement. “Constant communication is needed to erase the menace of terrorism from the region.”

The Heart of Asia conference was launched in 2011 to bring together regional countries to promote peace and prosperity in Afghanistan through concerted efforts
of participating and supporting countries and international and regional organisations engaged in the process. This year, it will be held in Islamabad on December 9 (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th,  2015.