World must play effective role to ensure peace in Afghanistan: Governor Punjab

KARACHI: Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar on Sunday stressed on international community to play an effective role in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists along with the Central Vice President PTI and Leader of the Opposition in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh at his residence. PTI’s members of the Sindh Assembly were also present at the occasion.

Governor Punjab asserted that Afghanistan was going through rapid changes and Pakistan since the first day had a clear policy of non-intervention in internal affairs of any other country.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan had stated that war was not a solution to Afghan issue and dialogue among all the stakeholders was the only way to reach a sustainable solution”, he said adding that he, as a then member of British Parliament, also opposed the invasion of Afghanistan and stressed on peaceful solution.

Governor Punjab appealed international community to play effective role in the regard as peace and stability in Afghanistan was in greater interest of not only Afghanistan but also pivotal to peace in Pakistan, in the region and the entire world.

Highlighting the plight of people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Chaudhry Sarwar reiterated the commitment that Pakistan would keep raising its voice against oppressive and barbaric actions of occupying forces over innocent people of the valley.

He stressed on the international community to ensure implementation on United Nation’s resolution on Jammu and Kashmir and granting right of self-determination to Kashmiri people so that they could be saved from atrocities of occupying Indian forces and decide their own future.

He said that PTI government was focused on strengthening of economy as it was evident that strong economy was imperative for sovereign foreign policy and ensuring relief to masses. He observed that due to prudent measures of federal government during COVID-19 situation Pakistan’s economy has shown positive indicators.

Replying to a query on election reforms, Chaudhry Sarwar said that election reforms were a complex issue and all political parties needed to sit together, discuss in detail and reach a solution with consensus of all the political parties and civil society.

“It was observed that after every election defeated parties made hue and cry of rigging and irregularities so we required a foolproof electoral system that could bring an end to such practices”, he opined.