Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday made another telephonic contact with Afghan President Dr Ashraf Ghani and discussed the developments in the two nations’ joint struggle to wipe out terrorists from the region.
Premier Sharif phoned President Ghani following his meeting with the visiting parliamentary delegation from Afghanistan, reiterating the commitment of his government that no terrorist would be allowed to misuse Pakistani soil against Afghanistan.
“Both the leaders also discussed the efforts to hunt down TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah who is on the run and is wanted by Pakistan for masterminding the terrorist attack on APS Peshawar,” a source told Pakistan Today.
Talking to an 18-member Afghan parliamentary delegation earlier in the day, Sharif said that a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest.
He said both Pakistan and Afghanistan were committed towards not allowing their territories to be used against each other. He said that the two countries were committed to developing a mutual relationship with a special focus on enhanced political engagement, deeper security and counter terrorism cooperation, expanded trade and economic partnership, and regional cooperation.
Nawaz Sharif said operation Zarb-e-Azb has dismantled terrorist networks and infrastructures in North Waziristan. He said such parliamentary exchanges are very useful in bringing the people of the two countries closer.
Joint Statement:
Meanwhile, the 12th round of dialogues between members of the parliaments of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held here hosted by PILDAT. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed chaired the Pakistani delegation while the Afghan delegation was headed by Senator Baz Mohammad Zormati.
Following the two-day session, which ended here, a joint statement, was issued, detailing a 19-point joint communiqué.
Participants of the dialogue underscored the need for bilateral cooperation, particularly cooperation among the state and security agencies in the two countries. In this regard, there is a need for comprehensive and effective laws on combating terrorism, including cyber terrorism. Parliaments and parliamentary committees in both countries should oversee effective implementation of these laws.
“MPs shared a common vision where Pakistan and Afghanistan will serve as the heart of Asia to ensure that economic integration in Asia becomes a reality and doesn’t just stay a dream. The MPs reiterated the desire to see South Asia connected with Central Asia under a model of regional economic integration,” the joint statement added.
“Parliamentarians stressed that trade and commerce between the two countries must be prioritised and formalised. Both sides also supported the removal of bottlenecks and trade barriers. They emphasised that facilities for transit trade between the two neighbouring countries must be improved,” the statement added.
Parliamentarians stressed on putting in place a relaxed visa regime that allows multiple entry visas for the citizens of each country. Speedy visas should be issued for citizens travelling for health-related reasons,” it stated.
“Parliamentarians of the two countries urged the governments to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the honourable repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan to Afghanistan at the earliest, in keeping with the trilateral agreement,” the statement added.
Parliamentarians reiterated the need for both states to put in place comprehensive and effective measures for border management.