Qureshi highlighted PM Imran Khan’s consistent stance of a political solution to the Afghan crisis
A Taliban Political Commission (TPC) delegation, headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, met with Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. The two sides discussed the current status of the Afghan peace process.
Qureshi highlighted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a political settlement was the only way forward. Highlighting Pakistan’s positive contribution to the peace and reconciliation process, resulting in the U.S.-Taliban Peace Agreement in Doha, the Foreign Minister emphasized that this historic opportunity must be seized by the Afghan stakeholders to secure a broad and inclusive political solution.
Qureshi also reiterated that Pakistan is committed to a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. He also impressed upon the importance of the implementation of the peace deal as it can lead to an intra-Afghan negotiations. Qureshi also warned that there are certain elements that want to derail the peace process and caution must be exercised in this regard.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar thanked the Foreign Minister and the government of Pakistan for the invitation and affirmed support for efforts for peace, security and development in Afghanistan. The delegation also expressed their gratitude for the hosting of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan for several decades now. A Taliban Political Commission delegation led by Mullah Baradar previously visited Pakistan in October 2019.
Pakistan has pushed for a peaceful solution to the Afghanistan crisis for years now. The United States government have off and on engaged with Taliban in peace talks over the years, mostly without a formal announcement with Pakistan’s aid. However, with the recent peace deal, there is a rejuvenated hope of peace in the country and the region.