Khan renews call for political settlement to Afghan war

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has once again highlighted the importance of a negotiated political settlement to the long-running conflict in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also commended Russia’s sustained efforts for promoting the Afghan peace process, including through the hosting of the recent meeting of the extended troika in Moscow.

At a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Islamabad on Wednesday night, Khan made clear there was no military solution to the war in Afghanistan.

Earlier, the visiting minister voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, saying Pakistan and Russia had agreed to help the warring parties achieve an agreement on ending the conflict through an inclusive political dialogue.

At a joint media briefing with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Lavrov said: “We have agreed to further contribute to creating conditions to ensure that the conflicting sides achieve constructive solutions, which allow them to end the civil war through agreements on forming inclusive power structures.”

Lavrov also called on Pakistan army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, who said Islamabad welcomed all initiatives aimed at bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. The whole region would benefit from peace in that country, he added.

The Russian minister acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements in the war on terrorism and contribution to regional peace and stability, especially its sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process.

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