Pakistan reacts strongly to Karzai's statement

Some institutions in Pakistan are opposed to promoting peace in Afghanistan, claims Afghan president.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday expressed concern over remarks made by Afghan President Hamid Karzai against a Pakistani state institution, implying that some institutions in Pakistan are opposed to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Office spokesperson, while commenting on Karzai’s statement, said, "the Government of Pakistan and all its institutions have unanimity of views on issues of national security and foreign policy.”

In this context, promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan is an important pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy which is supported by all state institutions, the spokesperson added.

He stated, however, that the success of this policy requires reciprocal action and goodwill on the part of the Afghan government as well. "It is in our common interest to jointly address the challenges of terrorism and extremism being faced by our region and the newly elected leadership of Pakistan has reiterated its resolve to fully support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.”

The spokesperson further said Pakistan will continue to support reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan for achieving durable peace, stability and development in the region.