Khan ties regional stability to peace in Afghanistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): After the exit of foreign forces, peaceful political transition in Afghanistan is central to regional stability, connectivity and prosperity, says the Pakistani prime minister.

“It is imperative for the peace of entire region that there should be a peaceful transition in Afghanistan,” Imran Khan told participants of an event in Islamabad on Wednesday.

He was addressing the concluding ceremony of the second conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (PAECO) countries.

“Otherwise 1989-like chaos will occur when the Sov­iet forces left and everyone knows what happened after it,” the prime minister warned.

If there is peace in Afghanistan, the entire region will prosper, according to Khan, who said otherwise the entire region could be in trouble.

Khan underlined tapping of the immense potential and resources of the 10-member PAECO for collective regio­nal progress and prosperity.

The combined population of these countries was estimated at around 450 million, making the region a powerhouse, the premier said.

Speakers of parliaments of member countries including  Afghanistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and others addressed the session.

In a joint declaration, member states reaffirmed solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The summit welcomed the offer by Afghanistan to hold the third general conference of PAECO in 2022 in Kabul.

The summit encouraged the early establishment of ECO Reinsurance Company to promote growth of national and regional underwriting and retention capacities, minimise the outflow of foreign exchange and support economic development of the member states.

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