NSA Janjua urges regional players to seek early closure of Afghan conflict

Says cooperation needed instead of confrontation to resolve security disputes

National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua on Tuesday stressed on the significance of cooperation among regional and international players to seek an early solution to the Afghan conflict, paving the way for realisation of the economic potential of the region.

The adviser, currently visiting Iran on the invitation of the Iranian government, was speaking at the 2nd Tehran Security Conference.

He projected Pakistan's perspective on security challenges facing the region, particularly the decades-old conflict in Afghanistan which has created problems for neighbouring countries and threatened peace and security of the region and beyond.

The adviser highlighted the challenges facing the region – including great power rivalries in West Asia, the policies to contain Russia and China and above all grave challenge of terrorist groups such as Da’ish which is gaining a foothold in Afghanistan.

He reminded the audience of unprecedented sacrifices of 60,000 people of Pakistan and valiant performance of the armed forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).

“Pakistan has also sustained losses of $120 billion to economy since 9/11,” said Janjua.

As regards the way forward to overcome regional challenges, he stressed that the countries of the region should approach regional issues within a framework of cooperation and collaboration instead of competition and confrontation.

“Rather than indulging in public rhetoric, regional countries should take practical measures in a cooperative framework to resolve complex issues facing the region,” he added.

In this regard, he called upon the international community to address problem of narco business in Afghanistan “which is feeding the monster of terrorism”.