Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that power-sharing is the only way to avoid civil war in Afghanistan. He expressed these views while addressing speaking at the Senate’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Friday (July 9).
Foreign Minister said it is Pakistan’s desire that Afghanistan does not experience civil war again. Qureshi maintained that Pakistan wants a dignified return of Afghan refugees to be made part of the Afghan peace process.
The foreign minister pointed out that Iran has an important role regarding Afghanistan which cannot be overlooked.
“Pakistan’s relations with Iran have further strengthened. We are establishing border markets with Iran.”
Shah Mahmood Qureshi warned that in the case of the Afghan Taliban strengthening across the border, TTP could also increase its influence that could harm Pakistan.
He further highlighted the important role Turkey had in the Afghan peace process and said that better initiatives were taken under the banner of the Istanbul peace process.
Last month, addressing the inaugural session of the Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue, Qureshi said Pakistan cannot be held responsible for the crises in Afghanistan and will continue to play a positive role in the success of intra-Afghan peace talks.
He stated Pakistan’s reconciliatory role and the agreement between the US and Taliban in Doha will help maintain peace in the region. He maintained that Pakistan’s efforts have been recognised internationally as part of the solution and not part of the problem.
