Rising violence in Afghanistan worries Pakistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has voiced its grave concern over the high level of violence in Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of precious lives.

“We are hopeful the two sides (the Afghan government and Taliban) will prioritise working out a road-map to the reduction in violence and a ceasefire in the negotiations,” the Foreign Office spokesman said on Wednesday.

He welcomed the commencement of the second round of intra Afghan negotiations in Doha. The two teams made significant progress by finalising rules and procedures last month and had now reconvened to negotiate substantive issues, he added.

“We hope the two negotiating teams would continue to engage with an open mind and will exercise patience, prudence and perseverance to seize this historic opportunity for peace.

“We call upon both sides to remain constructively engaged and show flexibility … for reaching an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement, which would lead to lasting peace in Afghanistan.”

In a statement, the spokesman claimed Pakistan’s constructive role and facilitation of the Afghan peace process has been recognised by all sides, including the international community.

“We strongly believe there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict and that the only way forward is a negotiated political solution through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,” the statement added.

Pakistan renewed its commitment to a peaceful, stable, united, sovereign, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. Ig vowed to keep supporting the peace process.

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