Afghan peace conference commences in Murree

KABUL (Pajhwok): Senior Afghan politicians are in Pakistan to attend a conference on promoting peace and reconciliation in their war-torn country.  

Ex-president Hamid Karzai and former interior minister Hanif Atmar, who were among the invitees, have expressed their inability to participate in the meeting in Bhurban,

However, both Karzai and Atmar hoped Islamabad would continue making efforts for restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Atmar’s office in Kabul.”

Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan head Gulbadin Hekmatyar is among the attendees, according to organisers of the conference.

Coming ahead of President Ashraf Ghani’s visit to Islamabad on June 27, the meeting also features High Peace Council chief Mohammad Karim Khalili, Jamiat-i-Islami leader Atta Mohammad Noor, Yunas Qanooni and Ismail Khan.

A statement from former President Hamid Karzai’s office said that Karzai would not attend the meeting due to a limited time for preparations. He thanked Pakistan for hosting the meeting and said he would visit neighboring country in another opportunity.

The conference has been organised by the Lahore Center for Peace Research (LCPR) and the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI).

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will also address the meeting Daily Times reported. President Arif Alvi will host a dinner for the Afghan political leaders.

Wali Masood, brother of Ahmad Shah Masood, Hezb-i-Wahdat leader Mohammad Mohaqiq, Fauzia Kofi and Pir Hamid Gilani and Uzbek leader Abdul Rashid Dostam are also in attendance.

mud