Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Qureshi Calls for Removal of Af-Pak Trust Deficit

Qureshi Calls for  Removal of Af-Pak  Trust Deficit

KABUL - Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday his country remains firmly committed to a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
Addressing the inaugural session of Afghan peace conference titled "Lahore Process" at Bhurbhan in Murree; he reiterated Pakistan's unshakable resolve to support peace, stability and long-term prosperity of Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan supported an Afghanistan at peace with itself, and at peace with its neighbours. Pakistan respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, he added.
“We are determined to build our bilateral relationship on the principles of non-interference, mutual respect and common interest,” the minister continued.
Qureshi noted after the Afghan nation, no one had suffered more than the people of Pakistan due to persistent instability and conflict. Advancing the cause of peace in Afghanistan, therefore, was in Pakistan's national interest, he argued.
He wished to see a friendly Afghanistan, governed by an elected leadership, representative of the aspirations of all Afghans.
The minister acknowledged the vicious circle of mistrust, often fed into by common enemies of the neighbours, had long affected their relationship.  The blame-game has not helped either side. It is indispensible to move away from this negative paradigm.
He said it was incumbent upon the leadership of the two countries to take practical steps to build mutual trust and confidence.
He stressed the two countries must not allow their respective territories to be used by anyone to the detriment of their interests.
Pakistan and Afghanistan had the same objective of long-term peace and prosperity in the war-torn country and the region at large, he told the audience.
While others believed in a military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, Pakistan always thought that a politically negotiated settlement was the only way forward, he said. It was gratifying to note that others had also reached the same conclusion, he said.
Pakistan had whole-heartedly facilitated the Afghan peace process in good faith and as a shared responsibility and would continue playing its due role, he assured.
“Our support has been crucial in overcoming the political stalemate that looked impossible to break just a year ago,” Qureshi claimed.
The minister said in addition to playing its role in the peace process, Pakistan also remained committed to Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development.
He said Pakistan stood ready to help Afghanistan through trade, investments, connectivity and capacity-building of the Afghan people.
“We are committed to enhancing people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges,” he said, adding Pakistan wished to work with Afghanistan and the world community to help create conditions that enabled a dignified, safe and voluntary return of Afghan refugees to their homeland. (Pajhwok)