Zakhilwal seeks Fazl’s help to reduce Pak-Afghan tension

Afghan ambassador to Pakistan meets JUI-F chief in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal met on Friday Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and sought his help in reducing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

An important, deep and detailed discussion with JUI leader Mawlana Fazal Rahman on general and current situation! pic.twitter.com/wSfvFnq1aH

— Dr Omar Zakhilwal (@DrOmarZakhilwal) March 10, 2017

The meeting came at a time when relationship between the uneasy neighbours is tense, as Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harbouring terrorists who allegedly carried out the February terror attacks in the country, which claimed over 100 lives.

While the military handed over a list of 76 militants to Afghan embassy officials, demanding action against them; authorities also closed the Pak-Afghan border, and shelled hideouts of militants belonging to the banned Jammatul Ahrar – a breakaway faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

"I had substantive and detailed discussion with Maulana Fazl Rahman on a range of issues, including the ongoing destructive war of Muslims killing Muslims in Afghanistan, the role of the prominent ulema such as himself in renouncing violence and support of peace," ambassador Zakhilwal said.

"We also discussed the highly tense Pak-Afghan relations and how escalation in tension will not serve both the countries," the ambassador told The Express Tribune.



He said they specifically discussed how Fazl could play an active and positive role in support of peace as well as improved Pak-Afghan relations.

Zakhilwal, who is also Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for Pakistan, has been meeting political leaders to seek their role in reducing tension and promote peace.

He met PTI chairman Imran Khan last week, seeking his help in the reopening of the border. The Chaman and Torkham border crossings were later unsealed for two days – March 8 and 9 – to facilitate travellers from the two countries.

He also had a series of meetings with senior Pashtun leaders, i.e. Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Aftab Sherpao, Sirajul Haq, Maulana Samiul Haq, Afrasiab Khattak, Ghulam Bilour and Ayaz Wazir.