ISLAMABAD - Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that a political solution to Afghan issue was imperative for bringing peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
He said that Afghan peace process would start an era of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
He said this in a conversation with Head of Afghan Masood Foundation Ahmad Wali Massoud who met the speaker in Islamabad, along with a delegation.
During the meeting, Pak-Afghan relations and political situation in the region and issues of mutual interest came under discussion. The speaker said that Pakistan strongly desires a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan which is in the best interest of Pakistan and the entire region. He said that Pakistani and Afghan people were bound in everlasting ties of religion, brotherhood, history and culture.
Speaker Asad Qaiser said that Pakistan is steadfast in its support to inclusive and broad-based political peace efforts in Afghanistan.
He said that parties having stakes in peace process should avail this opportunity and engage constructively for ending decades-old conflict in Afghanistan. He said that positive progression in peace negotiations depicts commitment of the Afghan leadership in peace process.
He said that people of Afghanistan long for peace in the country. He said that there was no military solution to Afghan issue.
Referring to the initiatives by the Parliament and the executive, the speaker said that Pakistan-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in National Assembly, taking the lead, discussed and forwarded recommendations for removing impediments in strengthening bilateral relations and trade.
He said that Pakistan had opened borders for Afghan brethren during COVID-19 apart from removing tariff barriers and impediments in Afghan bilateral and transit trade. He also said that Afghan brethren would also benefit from the visa facilitation for visitors, students specially patients.
The speaker said that 6,000 scholarships were being offered for Afghan students. Asad Qaiser said that Afghanistan due to its geographical location could serve as the gateway to Central Asia bringing CPEC benefits to Afghanistan and to Central Asia and beyond.
He said that establishment of border markets would enhance economic activities on both sides of the border. He appreciated Efforts of the Masood Foundation in education, health and relief activities in Afghanistan.
Masood Foundation Head Ahmad Wali Masood said that Afghanistan appreciates Pakistan’s efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
He said that Afghan nation values Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees for decades. He agreed that the involvement of all parties is essential for lasting peace in Afghanistan. He said that Afghan people strongly desire an end to decades-old conflict in the country. He agreed that the dividends of peace would not only be reaped by Afghanistan but the entire region.
Ahmad Wali Masood said that people on both sides of the border were tied in eternal bonds due to their close affinities. He expressed his gratitude to Speaker Asad Qaiser for this initiative for bringing the political leadership and people of both the countries closer.
The visit of Ahmad Wali Masood is part of Pakistan’s ongoing policy to reach out to political leadership in Afghanistan to forge common understanding on the Afghan peace process and deepen people-to-people linkages.