Regional peace: Govt renews pledge to aid Afghan peace

British PM’s trip was preceded by another unannounced one to Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Saturday renewed its pledge to promote dialogue and reconciliation in an effort to ensure durable peace in Afghanistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed this message to the British Prime Minister David Cameron who arrived on a two-day visit after his surprise trip to troubled Afghanistan and India earlier.

Cameron was greeted at Nur Khan Airport Chaklala by Minister of Science and Technology Zahid Hamid.

“Pakistan will continue to support every effort aimed at restoring peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and in the region,” the president told the British premier who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Recalling the trilateral summits facilitated by UK, the president lauded Britain’s efforts at promoting reconciliation in Afghanistan, said presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar in his briefing on the two leaders’ meeting. “The president voiced hope that the efforts made would also take into account legitimate concerns of all the stakeholders,” said Babar.

Cameron will hold one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today (Sunday) before holding sessions with the business community and young students, respectively.



President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the UK premier warmly and discussed regional peace with him.

“Pakistan will continue to support every effort aimed at restoring peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and in the region,” the president told the British premier.

In response, Cameron congratulated the President for overseeing a smooth transition from one democratic government to another, said the Presidential spokesperson. The UK premier will hold one-on-one meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday which will be followed by meetings with members of the business community and students.

Afghanistan visit

Cameron flew into Afghanistan on Saturday before his Pakistan’s visit to try to reinvigorate stalled peace talks with the Taliban and reassure Afghans that foreign troops will not cut and run next year.

Cameron visited British military bases in Afghanistan’s southern province Helmand and met Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

“We want a political solution as well as making sure we have a security solution,” Cameron told reporters.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2013.