Pakistan supports peaceful, democratic Afghanistan: Asad Qaiser

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has said peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan has always been the prime objective of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

In a meeting with Afghanistan Ambassador, Shukr Allah Atif in Islamabad today, Asad Qaiser said Pakistan wants to see a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan while establishing smooth relations with its neighbours.

He said the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is imperative for the progress and development of both countries.

The speaker said enhanced bilateral parliamentary, trade and economic cooperation is the need of the hour, adding that a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood was in the interest of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan are brotherly neighboring countries intertwined in religious, cultural and historical bonds.

He suggested for enhancing these contacts through parliamentary friendship groups besides establishing contacts between trade and commerce committees of both the parliaments.

He also said he was contemplating the establishment of a parliamentary forum comprising members of the parliament from all the political parties for creating synergies of cooperation and better understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He reiterated his earlier invitation to Afghan Speaker Wolesi Jirga to visit Pakistan along with a delegation. The speaker suggested that immense trade potential exists on either side of the border, therefore, the interaction of concerned ministries was imperative to reduce barriers in this regard.

The speaker also suggested that interaction between trade and commerce committees of both parliaments could pave the way for enhancing bilateral trade. Afghan Ambassador Shukr Ullah Atif appreciated Pakistani leadership for its constant support to the peace process in Afghanistan.

Atif expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of patients affected by COVID-19 in Pakistan and prayed for the early recovery of all those who tested positive.

The ambassador said Afghanistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and desires to accelerate this cooperation in diverse fields.

He agreed for enhancing ties between both the parliaments and also assured to convey the invitation of the National Assembly speaker to Wolesi Jirga speaker to visit Pakistan.