Always desired for political settlement in Afghanistan: PM Imran

We were granted aid for fighting wars of other countries, says prime minister

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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that the country has always played its role to bring peace and stability in war-torn Afghanistan and would continue to do so.

Chairing the federal cabinet meeting, the premier said the United States has also acknowledged that a peaceful solution to the conflict is the only way to settle issues plaguing Pakistan's western neighbour.

"Pakistan is playing its role, instead of doing more we wanted a political settlement in Afghanistan."

"We were granted aid for fighting wars of countries," said the prime minister.

PM Imran reiterated that Pakistan's role is to maintain peace in the region and informed the members of the federal cabinet that he had spoken to the leadership of Saudi Arabia regarding peace talks with Yemen as well.

Referring to the recent opening of the visa-free Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims, the prime minister regretted that India had politicised the issue.

"It started with Sidhu attending my oath-taking ceremony, visitors and pilgrims should be facilitated to visit their sacred places."



Claiming that the corridor was part of PTI's manifesto, the prime minister added the corridor holds symbolic and religious importance for the Sikh community.

He also said the planning and finance ministries have played a vital role in overcoming financial issues. He added the foreign companies have recently pledged hundreds of millions in investment recently.

Such an investment would have not come if the financial conditions had not been appealing, PM Imran stated.



Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday met US diplomat and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation at the Department of State Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad where the latter relayed Trump’s message and said America wants Pakistan’s support in seeking for a peaceful and political resolution to the Afghan conflict.

PM Imran reiterated that Pakistan has also always wanted this and that reconciliation is the only solution towards peace. Imran said he personally wished for regional peace and that Trump’s letter urging Pakistan to back peace was welcomed.

He underscored the importance of dialogue on both sides and also spoke of cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, education and health.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua were also present during the meeting.