Afghan envoy says dialogue key to resolve problems

PESHAWAR: Afghan Counsel General Dr Abdullah Waheed Thursday said that dialogue was the key to every conflict in the world and must be given a chance to seek solutions to the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This he said while addressing a conference organised by Pak-Afghan People’s Forum at Peshawar Press Club to seek diplomatic solutions to the prevailing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Justice (retd) Khalid Mehood chaired the conference.Speaking on the occasion, the Afghan official reiterated that serious efforts were needed from both sides for longlasting peace in the region. He maintained that Afghanistan wanted peaceful relations with Pakistan. He added peace was elusive in South Asian region unless both countries establish ground for mutual understanding on common issues.

“There is a dire need for creating an environment of mutual understanding and confidence where both countries discuss prospects of peace,” the envoy said.He added that hatred and disbelief on both sides of the border was touching the boiling point, adding that it was need of the hour to give peace a chance for the betterment of the masses.

He added that the people on both sides of the border were related to each other not only geographically but also culturally, religiously and historically. He said that both countries would benefit from trade and people-to-people contact if peace was restored to the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice (retd) Khlaid Mehmood shed light on the significance of the region’s geography. He said that Pak-Afghan region was a gateway for international trade. He, however, said that peace could not prevail in the Pak-Afghan region unless world powers show seriousness in this regard.