Imran Khan urges Afghans to seize historic opportunity for political settlement

Welcoming the announcement regarding commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged leadership in Afghanistan to seize the history opportunity and secure and inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.

“​I warmly welcome the announcement regarding commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations on 12 September 2020. Finally, our combined efforts have brought forth the day that the Afghan people have been yearning for,” PM Khan said in a statement yesterday.

“For more than 40 years, Afghans have suffered from continued conflict and bloodshed. Pakistan has endured the fall-out — reflected in incidence of terrorism, loss of precious lives, and huge economic cost. I have underlined for a long time that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that the only way forward is a negotiated political settlement.”

He said that through relentless efforts, Pakistan had played a pivotal role in facilitating the Afghan peace process to this juncture. We feel deeply gratified today as we have fulfilled our part of the responsibility.

​Successful culmination of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process is indispensable for Afghanistan and for regional peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

“We hope all sides will honour their respective commitments, persevere in the face of all challenges, and remain unflinchingly committed to achieving the desired outcome.”

“​For its part, Pakistan will continue to remain in full support and solidarity with the Afghan people as they march forward in this consequential journey for peace and development.”