Fresh start: Afghan envoy foresees ‘new chapter’ in Pak-Afghan ties

Ambassador Mosazai says repatriation of Afghan refugees is priority for new govt

ISLAMABAD: Afghan Ambassador Janan Mosazai has said that a new chapter in the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is likely to begin within the coming months. “The national unity government in Afghanistan has worked to boost cooperation with Pakistan against terrorism, extremism and organised crimes and for the promotion of peace and stability in both countries,” Mosazai told The Express Tribune in an exclusive interview.

The Afghan government has taken steps to implement all decisions taken during President Ashraf Ghani’s visit to Pakistan as both countries are determined that such decisions must not remain on paper only. “The implementation of decisions related to security, economic or political issues will increase the environment of trust between the two countries,” Ambassador Mosazai said. “This will promote people-to-people contact and practically benefit people in both countries.”

He expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral cooperation between the two neighbours for peace and security. “Peace, stability and economic progress in Pakistan and Afghanistan are intricately interlinked. The government in Afghanistan has a very clear stance to work for peace together to ensure tranquility in both countries,” he said.

Asked about the outcome of the commitment made by President Ghani and PM Nawaz not to allow their respective countries to be used against each other, Mosazai reiterated that Kabul would not permit any group and individual to use its soil against any country.

Afghan refugees

Afghanistan’s refugees have never created security problems for Pakistan and they have lived peacefully in cities, villages and in camps in the country for nearly 36 years, Ambassador Mosazai said while discussing refugees’ problems in K-P.

“The issue of refugees is not a political one but it is a humanitarian issue,” he said. “We recognise the help given by the Pakistan government and its people to Afghan refugees for over three decades. We hope such treatment will continue until Afghan refugees return to their homeland.”

Peace process

The ambassador said Kabul is determined to find a political solution to political differences as peace is a priority for the national unity government in Kabul. “There is a consensus in Afghanistan to take the peace process forward. The process could give results in 2015,” Mosazai said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2015.