Qureshi reiterates Pakistan's desire for peace in Afghanistan at OIC

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated on Friday Pakistan's desire for peace in Afghanistan, and dignified and honourable return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

"Pakistan will continue to play its conciliatory role for peace in the neighbouring country," FM Qureshi said during his meeting with Afghan counterpart Mohammed Haneef Atmar on the sidelines of the 47th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, happening in Niamey, Niger.

FM Qureshi added that Afghan leadership should remain cognisant of elements that want to sabotage peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with the country.

The Afghan foreign minister commended Pakistan's sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process.

On November 25, in a video message, FM Qureshi said the OIC meeting would deliberate upon the challenges faced by the Muslim community and other important issues and added that he would present Pakistan's stance on the changes taking place on the international landscape.

"Muslims are perturbed over the rising incidents of Islamophobia," the foreign minister said, adding that, "Pakistan has a very categorical and clear stance on the matter."

Referring to Indian atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and Indian state terrorism in Pakistan, the FM said that OIC was the appropriate forum to highlight Indian brutality against innocent Kashmiri people.

The foreign minister added that on the sidelines of the OIC meeting, he would also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other Islamic countries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had also praised outgoing United States President Donald Trump for his role in the resumption of peace dialogues in Afghanistan and expressed hope that the president-elect, Joe Biden would continue to follow his predecessor's strategy in the war-torn country.

PM Imran expressed hope that Biden will not pull back from the good work done by Trump in Afghanistan.

He also warned against the spoilers of Afghan peace, saying that the level of violence has increased in the neighbouring country. PM Imran said that there was great hope that the dialogues in Afghanistan would succeed.