Gulbuddin Hekmatyar meets FM Qureshi in Islamabad

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar meets FM Qureshi in Islamabad

Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): Leader of Hezb-e-Islami of Afghanistan Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Monday met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Quresi.

Talking to Afghan delegation led by Hekmatyar, Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan had categorically stated that the only way for durable peace in Afghanistan is Afghan-owned political dialogue. He said we are happy that Pakistan's perspective is being appreciated at global level today.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said peace and stability in the region is linked to long-lasting peace in Afghanistan. The minister said the Afghan leadership has a unique opportunity in the form of intra-Afghan talks to restore peace in Afghanistan. Qureshi said Pakistan will continue its efforts for peace in the region, including Afghanistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said we consider Pakistan as our second home.

Hekmatyar has arrived in Islamabad for a three-day visit focusing on Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process.

This is the second high-level visit from Afghanistan after the recent visit of Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the head of Afghan peace Council.

“During the visit, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar will call on the prime minister and president and will meet Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, foreign minister and other dignitaries. He will deliver a talk at a policy think-tank and interact with the media,” according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Sunday.

The visit of Hekmatyar will provide an opportunity for exchange of views on the Afghan peace process and strengthening of Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations as well as people-to-people interaction, it added.

“Pakistan attaches high importance to its fraternal ties with Afghanistan, rooted deep in shared history, faith, culture, values and traditions. Pakistan fully supports all efforts for peace, stability and prosperity of the Afghan people,” it said.