Sherpao to Afghans: War no solution to problems

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): A veteran Pakistani politician has voiced deep concern over the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, calling for an immediate end to the Taliban offensive.

At a news conference here, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao asked the government to unveil a clear policy on dealing with the fallout from a possible civil strife in Afghanistan.

War was not the solution to any issue, Sherpao said, underlining the need for serious negotiations on halting the ongoing fighting across the Durand Line.

“The security situation is deteriorating in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces,” the QWP chief said.

Sherpao suggested Pakistan should set up camps for refugees near the Durand Line. He also stressed efforts to end the trust-deficit between the neighbours.

He regretted Pakistan’s exclusion from the recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council hat deliberated on the current situation in Afghanistan.

Sherpao urged China and Russia to play a proactive role in ending the violence in Afghanistan. The US should have taken the Afghan government on board while talking to the Taliban, he believed.

He went on to remark: “It is unfortunate that the US bypassed the Afghan government while holding talks with the Taliban.”

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