Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Pakistan would extend its full support to an intra-Afghan dialogue among all segments of society for the peace and security of Afghanistan.
The PM was talking to Haji Muhammad Mohaqiq, Afghan lawmaker and head of Hizb-e-Wahdat Mardam-e-Afghan Party in a meeting at the PM’s House.
Underscoring the importance of peace in Afghanistan, the premier said that entire region’s progress and development was linked to it. He said Pakistan wanted friendly relations with all ethnic and political groups in Afghanistan.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan and assured Mohaqiq of all possible support in this regard. He maintained that stability in Afghanistan was essential for stability in Pakistan.
Talking about the recent Shia killing in Quetta, the PM said that the government had ordered a targeted operation against elements responsible for killing innocent civilians. He expressed the resolve to fight the terrorists until they were completely wiped out.
Earlier, welcoming Mohaqiq on his visit, Raja said that his earlier visit in October 2011 was very fruitful in enhancing understanding between the two countries.
Mohaqiq expressed condolences on the death of those who passed away in the tragic incident in Quetta and also prayed for the departed souls. The Afghan lawmaker thanked the Pakistani government for establishing a university in Balakh for the Afghan students and hoped that it would be inaugurated soon. He also expressed gratitude to the government for providing scholarships to Afghan students who were studying in Pakistan. He agreed with the PM to work jointly to defeat terrorists and militants. Foreign Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials were also present.