Border issue: Pakistan, Afghanistan advised to reach consensus

ANP central leader said peace in latter is in interest of former

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party has suggested both Pakistan and Afghanistan to establish a joint mechanism with consensus on crossing points between the two neighboring countries. This was stated in a press release issued on Friday.

“In recent past, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have been plunged into hostilities, which not only forced millions of people from both the countries to destitute circumstances but even converted the region into a din of terrorists,” ANP Central Information Secretary Zahid Khan was quoted as saying.

“Certain hidden hands are pushing both Pakistan and Afghanistan towards a war-like situation, which would not only harm the region but also global peace.”

He added a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan, therefore, rulers of both the countries must ensure to resolve all the misunderstandings in peaceful and political ways.

He suggested the prime minister establish contacts with the Afghan president so that misunderstandings could be eliminated.

He added foreign policies should be revised and regional and neighbouring countries should be given priority in all sorts of trade and diplomatic relations.

“Authorities need to give a positive response to the Afghan government when it is ready for a joint mechanism regarding border affairs,” he was quoted as saying.

The ANP leader said threatening termination of trade and business relations with Afghanistan is not in national interests.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.