UNITED NATIONS – Pakistan has commended fresh progress in the ongoing talksin Doha aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan, but warned againstspoilers’ ploys to undermine efforts for a peaceful settlement in thewar-torn country.
“Spoilers, from within or without, must not be allowed to subvert thesuccess of these negotiations and prevent a comprehensive politicalsettlement in Afghanistan,” Ambassador Munir Akram told the UN GeneralAssembly on Thursday.
“The machinations of such spoilers must be defeated,” he said during adebate on the situation in Afghanistan.
Expressing concern at the high level of violence in Afghanistan, AmbassadorAkram said that Pakistan shares the international community’s determinationnot to allow Afghan soil to be used by Al-Qaeda, ISIL/Da’esh or othergroups to threaten or attack other countries.
“Terrorism has had a devastating impact on Afghanistan and its neighbouringcountries,” the Pakistan envoy said.
At the outset, he said Pakistan and Afghanistan are linked by unbreakablebonds and their destinies are intertwined. Pakistan has sharedAfghanistan’s trials and tribulations and hopes to share its joy when peaceis established.
“A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is indispensable for peace and stabilityin the region and beyond,” Ambassador Akram told the 193-member Assembly.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently maintainedthat the conflict in Afghanistan can be ended, not by military force, butthrough a political settlement involving the full spectrum of Afghanistan’spolitical landscape. “We are gratified that this now reflects theinternational consensus.”
To help turn this consensus into reality, he said. Pakistan has facilitatedthe Afghan peace and reconciliation process.
With the intra-Afghan talks in Doha rekindling hopes for peace, thePakistani envoy said it is time for Afghanistan’s leaders to seize thishistoric opportunity and work constructively towards an inclusive andcomprehensive settlement, without outside influence or interference.
“Pakistan has walked with the international community and our Afghanbrothers and sisters on the path to peace, encouraging reduction inviolence and urging dialogue and negotiations,” Ambassador Akram said.
“The commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations is the outcome of ourcombined efforts,” he said.
“It is the Afghans who must be the masters of their destiny, and decidetheir own future, without outside influence or interference,” the Pakistanienvoy said.
“Pakistan will continue to support the Intra-Afghan Negotiations and looksforward to an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political solutionpaving the way for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.”