Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan on Thursday stated that it is important the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan should coincide with progress in the peace process.
Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson said this in response to US President Joe Biden who earlier stated that it’s "time to end" America’s longest war with the unconditional pulling out of troops.
The FO statement said that Pakistan believes that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a negotiated political solution through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process is important for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan
“Towards this end, the US-Taliban Agreement of February 29, 2020 laid foundation for a comprehensive intra-Afghan peace agreement including a permanent ceasefire for bringing an end to violence in Afghanistan,” the statement said.
The statement added that Pakistan believes that another key feature in the efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan should be a time-bound and well-resourced plan for return of Afghan refugees to their homeland and their reintegration in Afghanistan.
“It is important that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan coincides with the progress in the peace process,” the FO spokesman said, hoping that that the forthcoming meeting of Afghan leadership in Turkey would be an important opportunity for Afghans to make progress towards a negotiated political settlement.
He said Pakistan had consistently reiterated peace and stability in Afghanistan were in its interest and reaffirmed its abiding commitment for a peaceful, stable, united, democratic, sovereign, and prosperous Afghanistan.
“A meaningful engagement of the international community for promoting reconstruction and economic development in the post-conflict Afghanistan is important for ensuring sustainable peace and stability,” the FO statement said.
Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan believes that another key feature in the efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan should be a time-bound and well-resourced plan for return of Afghan refugees to their homeland and their reintegration in Afghanistan.
The FO Spokesperson said Pakistan will continue to work together with the international community in the efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.