ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today (Sunday) has reiterated its “firm commitment” to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, as the Afghan peace process is making encouraging progress towards a political solution to the conflict.
According to a statement, FO Spokesperson Zahid Hafiz said, “While Pakistan’s efforts are acknowledged and appreciated by the Afghan society and the international community, we are concerned about some negative comments which continue to emanate from certain official as well as unofficial Afghan circles.”
“We would continue to emphasize the mutually agreed fundamental principle that all bilateral issues including security and intelligence matters should be addressed through relevant bilateral forums and channels,” he added.
The spokesperson also said that appropriate institutional forums were in place for such discourse in the relevant Working Groups of APPAPS. “In addition during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Kabul the two sides also agreed on further strengthening their contacts,” he added.
“We wish to highlight that public blame game is detrimental to the Afghan peace process as well as to our shared efforts for enhancing bilateral cooperation,” the spokesperson added.
He further said, “Pakistan has continued to emphasize that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict and solution of the conflict through a political process is the only way forward.”
The foreign office said Pakistan has been engaged in serious efforts to facilitate an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process. “During the current year, our long-held position was vindicated and Pakistan’s serious efforts facilitated important breakthroughs in the peace process, including, U.S.-Taliban Peace Agreement and commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations,” he added.
“Pakistan has also continued to express its deep concern at the increasing level of violence in Afghanistan during the current year,” he said, adding that the premier, on several occasions, has reiterated his calls for a reduction in the violence leading to the ceasefire.
