‘Pakistan supports Afghan peace process’

Acting President Nayyer Hussain Bokhari on Wednesday said that Pakistan fully supported the Afghan peace process and was committed to an Afghan-owned and led reconciliation.
Addressing a seven-member delegation from Afghanistan, led by Afghan Senate Deputy Speaker Gul Afghan, Bokhari said a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s national interest. Only an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue could bring sustainable peace to the region, he added.
Bokhari underscored the need for an exchange of delegations to enhance trust and understanding between people of both countries. He said the presidents of both countries were holding talks in Turkey which would have a positive impact in the future. He added that the people and the political leadership had sacrificed a lot for democracy.
Senator Sehar Kamran observed that it was good opportunity to share views on various issues.
She said both countries needed to cooperate to bridge the trust deficit. She also highlighted the need for better communication to counter negative propaganda.
Gul informed the acting president about the purpose of their visit.
He thanked the government for providing shelter to Afghan refugees and said that both countries had cultural, religious and social commonalities and faced the common threat of terrorism.