Afghan peace process: Trump, Imran on same page, says Pak envoy

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Asad Majeed Khan, has said that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan are on the same page in their desire to achieve peace in Afghanistan.

Speaking at a dinner reception hosted in his honour by the South Asian community here Sunday, the ambassador said that even though Pakistan-US ties have never been easy but the relationship remains an important one.

"Today, both countries have a common interest in securing peace and stability in Afghanistan. Both President Trump and PM Imran Khan are on the same page in their desire to achieve peace in Afghanistan," he stated adding that leadership of both countries will meet soon, as indicated by President Trump himself, to discuss bilateral and regional issues at length.

Ambassador Khan said that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of peaceful neighborhood. The decision to open the Kartarpur corridor was taken in that spirit. "It was unfortunate that India used the Pulwama attack to create war frenzy. Pakistan has offered to investigate any evidence that will be shared and to engage in dialogue with India," he said.

He further said that the Pakistani government was easing up its visa policy to attract foreign visitors and boost religious tourism. Representatives of the Sikh community, who were in attendance, welcomed ambassador's remarks and thanked the government of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur corridor.

The ambassador also lauded the Pakistani American community urging them to play active role in building strong relations between the two nations. He also acknowledged the contributions of the host of the event, Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani American leader from the Republican Party.