ISLAMABAD: FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a rendezvous with Taliban delegation from Qatar to discuss Afghan peace process here at the Foreign Office today.
FM while terming his meeting with Afghan Taliban ‘constructive and positive’ said despite spoilers around, Pakistan would always work towards a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
Talking to reporters after meeting the Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and his delegation here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the discussion would prove as a step leading to a solution in the best interest of Afghans.
The delegation of Afghan Taliban arrived here from Qatar’s capital Doha to discuss with Pakistan government the update on intra-Afghan dialogue and their peace deal with the United States.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said it was a third sitting with Afghan Taliban meant to arrive at a conclusion following their peace agreement with United States signed in February 2020 in Doha.
“The Afghan Taliban are firm to implement Doha peace deal in its full letter and spirit, and abide by the components of the inked document,” he said.
Qureshi said the delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s positive role for restoring peace in Afghanistan and also expressed gratitude for the nation that “opened hearts and homeland for the Afghan refugees”.
He said both sides agreed that the world after 41 years had made a realization that “political, instead of a military solution, was the only way forward for peace in Afghanistan”.
“They lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan for always been a strong supporter of a political solution to achieve sustainable and durable peace in Afghanistan,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan wanted a stable, strong and peaceful Afghanistan.
“I want to tell our Afghan brothers that Pakistan has a good intent for you. We want your betterment and stability of your country to ensure regional peace,” he said.
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan could together work towards ending problems of their people including poverty.
“Together, we can ensure a better future for our coming generations,” he said, adding that “the ultimate goal was a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.”
According to Radio Pakistan Taliban Political Commission (TPC) delegation, headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today (Tuesday).
During the meeting, views were exchanged on the current status of the Afghan peace process and the way forward.
Welcoming the delegation, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a political settlement was the only way forward.
Highlighting Pakistan’s positive contribution to the peace and reconciliation process, culminating in the US-Taliban Peace Agreement in Doha on 29 February 2020, the Foreign Minister underlined that this historic opportunity must be seized by the Afghan stakeholders to secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive negotiated political solution.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the implementation of the U.S.-Taliban Peace Agreement, in its entirety, paving the way for the earliest possible commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations.
The Foreign Minister also cautioned against ‘spoilers’ who did not wish to see return of peace in the region.
For its part, the Foreign Minister stressed, Pakistan will continue to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process for durable peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also highlighted the importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan ties based on amity, shared history and geography and reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding solidarity with the brotherly people of Afghanistan.
He urged the international community to enhance its engagement for reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister also underscored the need for creating economic opportunities and an environment conducive for return of Afghan refugees to their homeland with dignity and honor.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar thanked the Foreign Minister for the invitation and affirmed support for efforts for peace, security and development in Afghanistan.
The delegation also thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their consistent support to the people of Afghanistan, including for graciously hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades.
A Taliban Political Commission delegation led by Mullah Baradar had also visited Pakistan in October 2019 for wide-ranging consultations on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.
Later taking to media, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan is desirous of peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan.
He said the meeting with Afghan delegation was constructive, friendly, positive and encouraging.
He said the delegation has acknowledged the Pakistan’s sincere efforts and appreciated the hospitality of the government of Pakistan in providing continued protection to the Afghan refugees.
He said peace and stability in the region will promote trade and generate employment opportunities.
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