ISLAMABAD - Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation (AHCNR) Chairman Dr. Abdullah Abdullah yesterday called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and discussed a wide range of issues including enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The speaker said that people of Pakistan regardless of ethnicities are bound together by everlasting cultural, religious and historic affinities. He said that a peaceful Afghanistan was in the larger interest of the Pakistan. He commended the leadership role of Dr. Abdullah for steering the peace negotiations.

Referring to his recent telephonic conversation with Speaker of the Afghan Wolesi Jirga, said that they both had agreed to form committees to boost meaningful and comprehensive collaboration with Afghan Parliament. He said that interaction between legislative bodies would further strengthen bilateral relations. 

Apprising Dr. Abdullah Abdullah of his parliamentary initiatives, Speaker Asad Qaiser said that impediments hindering the smooth trade and people’s movement across the border have been addressed and recommendation thereupon have been forwarded to executive. He said that it was heartening to note that eighty percent of the recommendations had been implemented whereas easing visas restrictions, would be approved by the federal cabinet soon. He said that enhancing trade activities would boost economies of both the countries.

The speaker raised the issue of establishment of border markets. He said that establishment of such markets would generate employment opportunities and induce upward momentum in trade activities. The issue of reciprocation of visa relaxation especially for work visas for Pakistanis and counsellor access to the Pakistanis jailed in Afghanistan was also raised.

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah said that he was deeply touched by the arousing welcome accorded to him in Pakistan. He said that Afghan government and people profoundly acknowledge support Pakistan had rendered during the peace negotiations.

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah thanked the speaker for his exceptional efforts for easing trade activities and pedestrians movement. He agreed that all such facilitation would help boost the economies of both the countries.

He assured the speaker that he would talk to all concerned back home regarding issues raised by him. He was of the view that the concerns raised were pertinent and should be addressed.