Monday, May 01, 2017
Kabul (BNA) Pakistan has once again renewed its commitment for peace and stability in Afghanistan, seeking joint cooperation to eradicate terrorism from the region.
Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, heading a parliamentary delegation, arrived in Kabul on Saturday on a two-day official visit and held separate meetings with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, Senate Chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah, renewing their commitments for peace and stability in war-torn Afghanistan.
Addressing a news conference here in Kabul on Sunday, Pak National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the delegation was representing many political parties in Pakistan, adding they came to Kabul on the basis of invitation extended on behalf of President Ghani.
“Afghanistan is not only a neighbor and brother, but also we have many similarities in term of culture and history. We are here to listen from Afghan officials and start a new chapter of bilateral cooperation and forget about the past,” Sadiq added.
Ayaz Sadiq said Pakistan was looking to Afghanistan as a sovereign state, adding his country seeking revision of counterinsurgency operations and officials of both countries have been committed to joint war against terrorism.
Answering a question of The Kabul Times on whether their visit bear positive results, Ayaz Sadiq called the delegation unique as representing different parties, saying despite many differences among these parties in Pakistan, they had clear and united view of a prosperous Afghanistan.
Sadiq said that terrorism was the biggest threat to the progress and prosperity of the region. He stressed the need for adopting a joint strategy to deal with the menaces of terrorism and extremism. He also emphasized the need for promoting trade and enhancing people-to-people contacts.
The visiting team includes Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, Abdul Qadir Baloch, Akram Khan Durrani, Mir Hasil Khan Bazinjo, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Awais Leghari, Naveed Qamar, Shafqat Mehmood, Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Aftab Sherpao, Sahibzada Tariqullah and GG Jamal.
