A high-level parliamentary delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reached Kabul on Saturday for a two-day visit, where it was received by Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi and Chairman of Afghan Senate, Fazal Hadi Muslimyar.
According to Afghan ambassador to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal, this is the first time in many years that delegation of this nature visits Kabul to get involved directly in Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.
The ambassador said that the delegation would hold a substantial discussion with President Dr Ashraf Ghani and other key leaders on issues that have caused mistrust and distance between the two countries.
Ayaz Sadiq stated that such widely representative delegation visit was unprecedented, which indicated the utmost importance Pakistan attached to its bilateral relations with Afghanistan.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards Afghan peace and stability and urged the need for constructive engagement between the two countries for the elimination of the common threat of terrorism.
He also stressed the need for promoting trade and enhancing people to people contacts. He took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Chairman Mishrano Jirga for visiting Pakistan.
Ayaz Sadiq also expressed condolences to the Afghan side over the loss of precious human lives in the recent terrorist attacks at Sardar Dawood Khan Hospital and Military Base in Mazar-e-Sharif.
Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi and Fazal Hadi Muslimyar acknowledged the efforts made by Pakistan for Afghanistan, particularly in hosting millions of refugees for more than three decades.
They urged the need for continuity of parliamentary exchanges for enhancement of bilateral ties. Both sides agreed on a need to start joint counter-terrorism efforts.
