Qureshi: Violence reduction key to peace in Afghanistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Significant reduction in violence is central to ensuring peace and security in Afghanistan, Pakistan said on Monday.

The Afghan government and the Taliban must demonstrate flexibility to reach a peaceful settlement, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Pak-Afghan Bilateral Dialogue in Islamabad, Qureshi said Pakistan could not be held responsible for the crises in Afghanistan.

Pakistan would continue to play a positive role in the success of intra-Afghan peace talks, the minister promised.

He hoped Pakistan’s reconciliatory role in the Afghan peace process and the agreement between the US and Taliban in Doha would help in maintaining peace in the region.

Qureshi restated Pakistan’s position that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and the whole region, he said.

He voiced deep concern at anti-Pakistan statements from the Afghan vice-president and the national security adviser. The blame game must stop as it would not help any cause, he stressed.

Qureshi called for US and coalition troops to exit Afghanistan in a safe and orderly manner. With foreign forces leaving, violence has surged in the country.

Afghan political leaders, former diplomats, members of civil society, women activists and senior journalists are attending the two-day track-II dialogue.

The first round of the dialogue has been organised by the Islamabad-based Regional Peace Institute (RPI). Delegates from Pakistan and Doha are also in attendance.

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