Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that peace in Afghanistan is imperative for regional economic development and connectivity.

On Thursday, while talking to Afghan President's Special Representative Omar Daudzai in Islamabad, he said Pakistan is standing firm with an Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process.

During the meeting, Pak-Afghan relations and the political situation in the region and issues of mutual interest came under discussion.

Asad Qaiser said Pakistan has consistently supported inclusive, broad based and political peace efforts in Afghanistan. He said all the parties to the peace process should avail this opportunity and engage constructively for durable peace in Afghanistan.

The Speaker said Pakistan has removed tariff barriers and impediments in Afghan bilateral and transit trade. He said Afghan traders, students, visitors especially patients would greatly benefit from the liberalised visa policy. He said that Afghanistan due to its geographical location could serve as the gateway to Central Asia bringing CPEC benefits to Afghanistan but also to the Central Asia and beyond. He proposed establishment of border markets for enhancing economic activities both sides of the border.

Omar Daudzai said Afghan nation values Pakistan for its assistance for infrastructure development in Afghanistan especially for hosting Afghan refugees for years.