FM Qureshi urges Afghan leadership to reach comprehensive political settlement

FM Qureshi urges Afghan leadership to reach comprehensive political settlement

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi has urged Afghan leadership to use this historic opportunity for reaching a broad-based and comprehensive political settlement of Afghan issue.

Talking to a delegation of Afghan leaders in Islamabad on Monday, he said all stakeholders must work together for a better future of Afghanistan and the region as well, the Radio Pakistan reported.

“Our ultimate goal is a peaceful, united, democratic, stable and prosperous neighbor,” FM Qureshi asserted.

He said that a comprehensive dialogue is the only political way for resolution to the Afghan issue, and Pakistan is committed to play a constructive and reconciliatory role in this regard.

“Pakistan hopes that the entire Afghan leadership will undertake efforts for durable peace in the larger national interest,” Qureshi said, adding that all segments of the Afghan society are equally important in achieving the ultimate goal of peace.

“We also need to continuously monitor the anti-peace elements, who are trying to mislead the world about Pakistan's reconciliatory role, which has been acknowledged internationally,” FM Qureshi said.

The foreign minister also urged the international community to come forward and provide cooperation and economic assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

Earlier, Pakistan called upon the Afghan leaders to work together to address the evolving situation and craft a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In a statement on Monday, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan has consistently emphasized that a political solution is indispensible.

“Pakistan will continue to play its constructive role in promoting this goal,” he said.

The spokesperson noted that achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and bringing an end to the four-decades long conflict is a shared responsibility of the international community.

He hoped the collective efforts will help bring lasting peace, progress and prosperity to Afghanistan.