Qureshi stresses responsible US pullout from Afghanistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has renewed its stout support for the Afghan peace process, calling for a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Afghan peace push in a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Achieving a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan was the shared responsibility of all Afghan parties and key international and regional stakeholders,” Qureshi stressed.

The Foreign Office said he underlined the importance of a responsible withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from Afghanistan

Qureshi noted that reduction in violence, a permanent ceasefire and securing an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement were indispensable.

It was the second telephonic conversation between the two diplomats since Blinken took office in January. Their first call happened on Jan 29.

Blinken also spoke twice with Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. Their discussions largely focussed on Afghanistan and the withdrawal of US forces from that country.

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