Give peace a chance: Pakistan, Afghanistan should bridge trust deficit, says Aftab Sherpao

Says chaos in one country affects situation in another

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmed Sherpao has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to work towards bridging the trust deficit between both countries.

This was stated in a handout issued on Saturday. According to the document, Sherpao was speaking at Swat Pakhtu Adabi Nariwala Jirga held at Wadudia Hall in Swat.

“The cycle of mistrust between the governments of both countries will result in long-term issues,” the statement quoted the QWP leader as saying. “Pakistan and Afghanistan should devise a combined strategy to ensure durable peace in the region. Chaos in one country will affect the security situation in the other.”

According to Sherpao, both countries must also do away with the scourge of militancy that has repeatedly pushed Pukhtuns towards extreme backwardness.



“The right of Pukhtuns could have been safeguarded if the province had been given adequate autonomy under the 18th Constitutional Amendment,” the handout quoted him as saying. “Since this did not happen, a sense of deprivation still prevails among Pukhtuns. Many of them are facing economic disparities.”

Speaking about the tribal belt, the QWP leader said the people of the region have faced considerable difficulties over time.

“The situation in Fata can only improve if the government devises a plan to help the displaced people who have returned home to rebuild their lives with honour and dignity,” read the document.

Sherpao also insisted the role of Pashto scholars, poets and writers should be appreciated as they have played a positive role in bringing stability in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2015.