Pakistan ‘completely’ supports Afghan peace, says Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has assured of Pakistan’s complete support to the Afghan peace process.
Addressing a news conference at Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad yesterday, he said that Pakistan respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.
He categorically stated that Pakistan has no favourites in Afghanistan, and does not want to meddle in its internal affairs.
As the intra Afghan dialogue are continuing, Qureshi said that Pakistan will accept the will of the people of Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan believes that only the Afghan people can determine their future, and that it cannot be imposed on them.
He said all sides will have to work together for a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan.
Qureshi said the commencement of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban is a unique and historic opportunity for peace in Afghanistan and it must be seized by the Afghan leadership.
He said reduction in violence leading to a ceasefire is a necessity for peace in the country.
The minister also emphasised the need for greater collaboration between the two countries in different fields to build a common future.
Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, has said that Pakistan has played an important role in facilitating the Afghan peace process.
Addressing the same news conference at Islamabad’s Institute of Strategic Studies, he said that both Pakistan and Afghanistan have paid a heavy price facing various terror groups that are still acting as “spoilers”.
He said that we need to co-operate against such elements.
Abdullah said his country will not allow any terror entity to pose a threat to any other nation.
He said that the start of negotiations between Afghan government and the Taliban is an important opportunity, and offer the best hope to put the war behind us.
Abdullah said that the Afghan negotiating team members have been asked to be patient and be ready to make compromises.
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan face common threats and challenges, including various shades of terrorism, extremism, intolerance and more recently, the coronavirus pandemic.
Abdullah said that there is a huge untapped security, political, economic potential for co-operation between the two countries.
He stressed for enhanced interaction for a more peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
He also thanked Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees, saying we share the idea of their dignified return.
Abdullah also called on National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser yesterday.
A wide range of issues, including enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, were discussed in the meeting.