Boosting ties: Stability next door in Pakistan’s interest, says Afghan consul general

Delegates invite locals to work in Afghanistan’s mineral sector

PESHAWAR: Afghan Consul General in Peshawar Dr Abdullah Waheed Poyan has said the stability of Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan.  “People from both sides should support the governments to bring stability and maintain peace in the region.”

Poyan expressed these views while addressing the participants of a workshop which was held at University of Peshawar Area Studies Department. The two-day workshop titled ‘Pak-Afghan Cultural Corridor’ concluded on Sunday.

The workshop was also attended by Afghan representatives Akbar Jan Folad, Khushal Rohi, Pak-Afghan Peoples Forum President Alamzeb Khan and K-P Culture Director Abdul Basit. Poets, professors and students also participated in the event.

The Afghan consul general said, “Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have rendered sacrifices for the elimination of terrorism; despite having the same culture and religion, people from Afghanistan and Pakistan lack trust in each other.” He added both governments should take positive steps to restore the trust of people.

Poyan said such programmes would help boost relations between the two countries. “People are still confused about the future of Afghanistan but I assure them development projects are under way and soon it would be ranked with the stable countries of the world.”

Folad said the exchange of delegates between the two countries will help decrease differences amongst
the people.

He thanked the Pak-Afghan Peoples Forum and said such programmes should be held regularly to bring positive change in the society. Folad also invited people to visit Afghanistan and work in mineral sector.

The event was organised by Pak-Afghan Peoples Forum in collaboration with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th,  2016.