Addressing a conference on Afghanistan in the federal capital on Thursday, Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan desired early talks between the Afghan government and different Afghan groups for peace and stability.
“Pakistan is only playing the role of facilitator in the reconciliation process and persuading the groups it has contacts with to start the dialogue process. There are prospects of dialogue between Afghan government and different groups in the coming days,” Aziz said, adding that Pakistan was pursuing the policy of non-interference in Afghanistan and hoped this policy will also be followed by other regional countries.
“Afghanistan needs lot of help for economic development but it has to resolve the political issues on its own,” he said.
Aziz said Pakistan wanted strong trade and economic relations with Afghanistan as a part of its policy of peaceful neighbourhood. Engagements with the neighbouring countries have been enhanced in order to achieve this objective.
The PM’s advisor also said that a series of steps have been taken to remove trade impediments and enhance volume of trade with the neighbouring country. He said both the countries are also pursuing liberal visa policy to give impetus to trade and economic relations.
Aziz pointed out that mineral resources in Afghanistan are enormous and hoped the international community will extend a helping hand for the exploitation and utilisation of these resources.
Responding to a question about registration of case against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, Aziz confirmed that the interior minister held a meeting with the British high commissioner and handed over some necessary documents to him about the case.
