Peace in Afghanistan a must for regional stability, says Khattak

NOWSHERA: Federal Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak said on Saturday that Pakistan wanted peaceful Afghanistan as it was in its own interest and for lasting peace in the region.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan has given a tit-for-tat reply to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for his diatribe against Pakistan. Pakistan is a partner for peace in Afghanistan, not a

guarantor,” he said while speaking at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers’ convention here.

Pervez Khattak said that Pakistan was not supporting any group creating unrest in Afghanistan, adding that peace in Afghanistan was our topmost priority.

He added that Pakistan would continue to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. He suggested the Afghan stakeholders and the regional countries to gear up efforts for a politically negotiated settlement.

“War is not a solution to any issue, therefore, Afghan imbroglio should be resolved through peaceful means,” he believed.

He said that Pakistan suffered huge loss in terms of economy and human casualties due to decades-long war in Afghanistan. He also said that Pakistan cannot afford further burden of refugees as over a million Afghans were presently residing here.

“Our country wants peace in its neighbourhood to ensure the completion of development projects for the betterment of the entire region,” the minister said, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Uzbekistan was of vital importance in the prevalent situation.

About the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, Pervez Khattak said China was a tested friend of Pakistan and the projects launched under the CPEC would be continued and completed in due course of time. The prime minister was striving hard to steer the country out of the economic crisis, end the menace of corruption and improve life standard of living of the common man, he added.