Fazl’s visit catalyst for improved Pak-Afghan ties: Mulla Baradar

ISLAMABAD: JUIF chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman held a meeting with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar, Defence Minister Mulla Yaqoob and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani before his return to Islamabad on Friday evening.

The two sides observed that the visit of JUIF delegation would help reduce the tensions between the two countries, the media cell of JUIF said. The Afghan leaders, however, conveyed their concerns over the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, saying that their stay should have been extended.

Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar observed that the visit of Maulana Fazlur Rehman would help bring about a positive change in the relations between the two countries. He maintained that Afghanistan was now a peaceful and safe country. Defence Minister Mulla Yaqoob and Foreign Minister Mulla Amir Mutaqqi were also present during the meeting.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the main objective of his visit was to resolve the issues between the two countries and the Pakistani nation was ready to extend all possible cooperation to the Afghan nation. He said the Pakistan government feels that there should be legal trade activity between the two countries. Afghan Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, during his meeting with Fazlur Rehman, apprised him of the internal situation of the country. He said that both countries should move forward on border issues through talks and mutual consultations. Minister for Refugees Haji Khalilur Rehman, also present at the meeting, said that the Afghan government was concerned over the repatriation of Afghan refugees. He stressed the refugees should have been given time to return to their country voluntarily. Maulana Fazlur Rehman returned to Islamabad on Friday on the completion of his six-day visit to Afghanistan at the end of a delegation comprising his party leaders.