Solution to Afghan conflict lies with Afghans only: FM

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday only the people of Afghanistan could resolve the conflict of their country, however, Pakistan, or any other country could only play the role of a facilitator in the peace process.

In a statement on the situation of Afghanistan and the region, Qureshi said that Pakistan’s conciliatory role in Afghanistan had made it clear to the world that “we want peace” and “we want good relations with all our neighbours” including India.

"We can only facilitate the peace process and reconciliation among the Afghan stakeholders," Qureshi said. “Other countries, may it the United States, China or Russia, could only extend support to the peace process, however, the solution to the problem rested with the Afghans themselves,” he added.

Read: Qureshi urges ‘systematic’ Afghan drawdown

The minister referred to a statement of US President Joe Biden, who had also emphasised that only Afghans could better resolve the problem faced by their nation. In challenging times, he said, Pakistan would take every step for its own security.

He said that he had read former president Asif Zardari’s statement regarding Afghanistan situation. “We want peace and stability in Afghanistan. We assisted the Afghan parties in bringing them to the negotiating table but we can only play a conciliatory role.”

On situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Qureshi said the illegal acts of India had resulted in rise of tensions in the region. He stressed that Pakistan's stance on Kashmir was loud and clear that the dispute must be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

He pointed out that the All-party Convention called by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exposed the wide gulf between the people of Kashmir and the Indian government. Qureshi termed the convention a “failed attempt” to fan nationalism in a bid to gain votes for in the upcoming election.

“Unfortunately, India responded to our goodwill with unilateral, unconstitutional measures on 5 August 2019. These measures were rejected by Pakistan and also by the Kashmiris. These unilateral, unconstitutional measures created tensions,” Qureshi said.

“The Kashmiri leaders participating in the APC demanded that the Indian government reverse these unilateral measures. As far as our diplomatic efforts are concerned, our position on Kashmir was clear yesterday and is clear today.”

Read more: Pak-Afghan diplomatic spat continues as Qureshi meets Abdullah

Qureshi emphasised that it was the clear policy of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government that “we will not interfere” in the internal affairs of any country. He denied India’s allegation of drones use in IIOJK. “Pakistan has never had any aggressive intentions.”

On Financial Action Task Force (FATF), he said India was trying to misuse the platform for political gains. He added Pakistan was put on the FATF grey list because of the money laundering done by the corrupt elements during the tenure of previous governments.

“FATF demanded that money laundering be stopped. Prime Minister Imran Khan also wants to eradicate money laundering. FATF is a technical forum and not a political forum [but] India is using this technical forum for political purposes,” he said.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)