Intra-Afghan dialogue key to sustainable peace: Qureshi

Reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to continue playing reconciliatory role in Afghan peace process

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday underscored the importance of intra-Afghan dialogue to ensure sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

In a meeting with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Muhammad Hanif Atmar in Kabul, Qureshi said Pakistan would continue to play its reconciliatory role in the Afghan peace process.

Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed satisfaction over the important decisions taken by the two sides during seventh Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA) meeting held on November 17 in Kabul including commencing of negotiations on PTA, progress on revision of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), agreement of cooperation between customs, and understanding about having an MoU on cooperation between the central banks.

He said Pakistan wished a dignified return of Afghan refugees from the country and added that to facilitate the Afghan visitors, Pakistan had launched a new visa policy.

The minister reiterated that Pakistan had always been a staunch supporter of Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process saying it was mandatory for lasting peace in Afghanistan.

He expressed the hope that the recent visits of high-level Afghan delegations including Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Afghan leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Speaker of the Afghan Velocity Jirga Rehman Rahmani, would pave way towards further mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Afghan foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in the Afghan peace process and for taking practical steps to further strengthen the bilateral relations.

The two sides also agreed that sustained peace and stability and enhanced trade and connectivity would contribute to regional prosperity.

PM’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq were also present on the occasion.