ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterating his conviction that therewas no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan said that anegotiated political settlement was the only way forward.
He stated this during a meeting with Ahmad Wali Massoud, Head of MassoudFoundation Afghanistan on Thursday.
The premier extended warm welcome to Ahmad Wali Massoud and stated thatPakistan and Afghanistan were bound by a fraternal relationship, rooteddeep in shared history and commonalities of faith, culture and traditions.
He recalled the historic contribution of the late Ahmed Shah Massoud, a keyMujahideen leader, during the Afghan resistance movement, said PrimeMinister Office in a statement.
Imran Khan added that after Afghanistan, Pakistan was the most desirous tosee return of peace in Afghanistan as it was deeply affected by theconflict.
In the context of Afghan peace process, the Prime Minister highlighted thatPakistan had extended full support to facilitate the U.S.-Taliban PeaceAgreement and the initiation of Intra-Afghan Negotiations.
He stressed that the Intra-Afghan Negotiations provided a historicopportunity which must be seized by the Afghan leadership to achieve aninclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.
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He added that Pakistan has been emphasizing to all sides to work togetherconstructively, take steps for reduction of violence leading to ceasefire,and secure a political solution for a peaceful, stable and prosperousAfghanistan.
The premier underscored that the return of peace in Afghanistan will havelasting benefits for the region and beyond, through economic development,regional trade, and improved connectivity.
He further highlighted the range of steps, including introduction of aliberal visa regime and increased facilitation in bilateral and transittrade to further strengthen fraternal ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s assistance for Afghanistan’s development efforts and humanresource capacity-building will continue apace, he said.
The visit of Ahmad Wali Massoud and his delegation is in continuation ofPakistan’s policy to reach out to Afghan leaders to further strengthenbilateral ties and enhance mutual convergence on the Afghan peace process