'Peace in Afghanistan inevitable for economic progress in Pakistan'

'Peace in Afghanistan inevitable for economic progress in Pakistan'

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said that peace in Afghanistan is inevitable for economic progress in Pakistan and other countries of the region.

Talking to Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States (US) House of Representatives Gregory Meeks through video link, he said Pakistan is desirous of peace in the region, including Afghanistan.

FM Qureshi said that Pakistan and the US have commonality of views about peace in the region.

“Peace is necessary for promotion of regional linkages”, the foreign minister said, adding that Pakistan has focused on geographical economic priorities.

FM Qureshi said cooperation between Pakistan and the US is important for peace in the South Asian region.

The foreign minister apprised the Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives about Pakistan's concern on the rising tendency of Islamophobia in the world.

“Pakistan has been raising voice against growing trend of Islamophobia at different international forums, including the United Nations (UN),” he said.

FM Qureshi said that the international community would have to have to take join steps to prevent Islamophobia and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of US House of Representatives Gregory Meeks said Pakistan is an important country of the region and its efforts for peace in the region are commendable.

He also expressed condolence over killing of four members of a Pakistani-origin family in Canada.