Regional affairs: ANP to support Centre in facilitating peace talks in Afghanistan

Urges leadership to remain prepared to face hardships

Awami National Party has thrown its weight behind Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate peace talks between Afghan government and the Taliban.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the party has welcomed negotiations and vowed to support the federal government in ensuring the dialogue between both sides reaches fruition.

Blessing in disguise

The statement lauded the peace talks as a means of putting an end to the suffering faced by people in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan.



“Terrorism has plunged this prosperous region into poverty and illiteracy,” read the press statement. “Thousands of people have lost their lives due to militancy. Pukhtuns on both sides of the border have suffered a great deal. Industrial development in the region has come under threat and resources have not been put to use.”

The press release said there were no winners in this war and only innocent civilians had to bear its consequences. “We have been insisting dialogue is the only option available to people,” stated the press release.

Tread with care

ANP has also urged all negotiating parties to remain mindful of attempts to thwart the peace process.

“All stakeholders, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan, must be ready to face all kinds of hardships,” the statement added. “Enemy propaganda will hinder the peace process and they will need to be prepared.” According to the press release, ANP hoped the federal government would “secure a good deal” and ensure the peace process heralds a bright future for the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2015.