Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that a negotiated settlement is the best option for durable peace in Afghanistan.

While talking to media persons in Multan, he said Pakistan wishes to engage senior leaders of Afghanistan for holding talks to seek a durable peace, which is possible only through a negotiated political settlement.

"Pakistan is trying to contact the Afghan government, senior leadership of Afghan Taliban and Northern Alliance to resolve the issues hurting peace process in their country," Qureshi said.

The Foreign Minister further said he is also visiting Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to discuss the Afghan issue with his counterparts of respective countries.

"Peace in Afghanistan will help improve regional connectivity which will ultimately lead to boost diplomatic reach and trade activities especially in Central Asian States and Afghanistan," he added.

While responding to a question, Foreign Minister said the international community has acknowledged Pakistan's role for peace process in Afghanistan.