ISLAMABAD – The Chairman of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan hasvowed to prioritize cordial relations with Afghanistan if his party gaineda victory in the upcoming elections.

He reportedly made the remarks during a meeting with the deputy Afghanforeign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai in his residence.

“PTI Chairman Imran Khan welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister Karzai toPakistan and said that given his Afghanistan roots, cordial relations withAfghanistan would remain his top priority if he wins the next elections andbecomes Prime Minister,” according to a statement by the foreignministry.

He stressed the importance of smooth flow of people and goods for theinterest of both people because the closure of trade routes in the past hasbadly affected Pakistan and specially the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Deputy Foreign Minister Karzai said that the ‘Afghanistan-Pakistan ActionPlan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS)’ finalized in a positive spirit aimsto enhance trust and confidence between the two countries, the foreingnministry said, adding that he emphasized that trade and economic tiesshould be depoliticized for the welfare of the peoples of both countries.

Deputy Foreign Minister Karzai also thanked the people of Pakistan for thegenerous hospitality extended to the Afghan refugees. He added that thedignified, voluntary and gradual return of the Afghan refugees was theAfghan Government’s top priority.

Deputy Foreign Minister Karzai further said “Both countries enjoy numerouscommonalities. Cricket is an emerging and popular game in Afghanistan,while also popular in Pakistan. Through cricket, both nations can cometogether making tangible progress in building more confidence.”