US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan government official stance reported
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ISLAMABAD - Responding to a question, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson said that the US and allied forces should not withdraw from Afghanistan unless situation stabilizes in the country. When asked that with such statements Pakistan may invite ire of the Taliban, the spokesperson clarified that these forces are staying in the war torn country as per the mandate of the UN which is renewed every year. He said these forces are staying there for peace, stability and development of the country. The spokesperson further stated that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict. He said negotiated settlement is the most viable option. We are pleased that other important actors are also arriving at the same conclusion and exploring the possibilities of peace and reconciliation. He said Pakistan welcomes efforts for negotiated settlement and will extend all possible support in this regard. When asked about Indian-Afghan cooperation for developing water reservoirs on Kabul river, the spokesperson said that Pakistan and Afghanistan remain engaged for optimal utilization of the available water resources. We believe that water resources must be used in a manner that benefit both the countries and is in line with international laws, norms and the best practices for water sharing. He said Pakistan is fencing its border with Afghanistan to check movement of undesirable elements. He said Afghanistan also needs to take similar steps. The spokesperson said that Chaman crossing point is open between the two countries as we are committed to facilitate trade and people to people to contacts with the neighboring country. Responding to a question about the US's first set of sanctions against Iran, the spokesperson said that we desire that all the parties uphold their commitments with regards to the Iranian nuclear deal. He said the course of diplomacy and dialogue should be taken to address the issues. He said that Pakistan has also taken up the matter with Iranian and Iraqi authorities to facilitate the visits of Zaireen to the holy places.
