KABUL: Prime Minister Imran Khan today (Thursday) has asserted that Pakistan will do whatever is possible to help reduce violence in Afghanistan and establish durable peace.
PM Imran and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in a joint press stake-out at ARG Presidential Palace reaffirmed their commitment towards taking urgent steps leading to the restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan, who arrived in the Afghan capital on his maiden visit to the neighbouring country, held talks with President Ghani, which focused on deepening of bilateral ties, Intra-Afghan peace process and regional economic development.
Both the countries agreed to pace up their joint efforts to reduce the recent spate of terrorist incidents in Afghanistan through close coordination and intelligence sharing.
“The idea of visiting Afghanistan at a time when violence is increasing is to assure you, President Ghani, that the people and the government of Pakistan have only one concern; peace in Afghanistan,” he reaffirmed.
“Let us know where we can help you. We assure you that we will be there to help reduce slur of violence in your country,” the Prime Minister told the Afghan president.
“The Afghan people have suffered for four decades,” he regretted. The premier also supported the idea of the establishment of committees from the two governments to hold mutual discussions.
The Prime Minister also thanked President Ghani for extending an invitation to visit Afghanistan, expressing confidence that it would lead to further strengthening of ties between the two countries.
He also recalled that during the era of 70s, Kabul and Peshawar were the favourite destinations for visitors from both sides. PM Imran asserted peace and connectivity was the best way to ensure the prosperity of Pakistan, Afghanistan and also the entire region.
He pointed out that Pakistan played a consistent role in Intra-Afghan dialogue and noticed with concern the increasing level of violence despite the Qatar peace deal. “Now again to build trust, we will help the Afghan government to meet their expectations,” he concluded.
Prime Minister’s arrival in Kabul
Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Afghanistan’s capital on a one-day visit to hold talks with the Afghan leadership on the peace process. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, DG ISI Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood, Special Representative for Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq, and senior officials are accompanying.
Upon arrival at Kabul airport, the Prime Minister and his delegation was received by Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and Afghan President’s Special Representative for Pakistan Mohammad Umer Daudzai, and senior officials.
