Pakistan reaffirms resolve to continue support for Afghan reconciliation process

Islamabad also calls for reduction in violence by ‘all stakeholders’ in the war-torn country

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that Pakistan has consistently underlined the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which "we deem indispensable for peace and stability in the region and beyond".

In a statement issued on Sunday, she said that the US-Taliban peace agreement signed in February was a significant step forward, creating a historic opportunity for the move towards intra-Afghan negotiations.



"We believe that the pursuit of sustained reduction in violence by all parties concerned is pivotal in advancing the cause of peace in Afghanistan. The unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 and the advent of the holy month of Ramazan further underscore the imperative of creating a conducive environment," Farooqui added.

She said that Pakistan also wishes to underline the importance of political reconciliation among all Afghan parties and stakeholders. "An inclusive political dispensation would indeed help fortify the efforts that the Afghan nation needs at this critical time to effectively confront the challenges it faces."



The spokesperson further said that for its part, Pakistan will continue to support a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, at peace with itself and its neighbours.

The development comes amid a sharp surge of violence in the war-torn country despite a historic deal between the Taliban and the US back in February.

The Taliban have mounted more than 4,500 attacks since signing the deal with the United States, according to data seen by Reuters.

The militant group has since rejected multiple calls for a ceasefire during the month of Ramazan.

More than 500 civilians have been killed and over 700 injured during the first three months of the year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement a few days earlier.

The provinces hardest hit are ones with the most Covid-19 infections, which are spreading rapidly across the country.