Intra-Afghan dialogue success crucial for regional stability: Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday welcomed the initiation of intra-Afghan dialogue process, saying a peaceful Afghanistan was in the interest of two neighboring countries and stability of the entire region.

“Pakistan is making efforts for the success conclusion of ongoing dialogue between Afghan government and Taliban,” PM Khan told a gathering of tribal elders after inaugurating Nahaqi Tunnel and Sheikh Zaid Road in Mohmand tribal district.

“The return of peace and stability in Afghanistan will make positive effects on the overall progress, trade and economic development of the merged tribal districts,” he said.

The Prime Minister said his government was committed to encourage exports oriented industries to promote trade and business activities imperative for economic development and generation of employment opportunities for people of the merged tribal districts.

He said certain countries, to serve their ill design, could not see peaceful Afghanistan and success of the ongoing intra-Afghans dialogue.

The Prime Minister said the enemy was not happy with the KP-Fata merger and external inimical forces are financing retrogressive forces to deprive tribal people of peace and development.

The PM said the government was setting up border markets in merged areas to promote exports and trade activities with Afghanistan and onward Central Asian Republics (CARs).

The Prime Minister underlined the need for taking effective measures to curb smuggling at Pak-Afghan border which was affecting legal exports between the two countries.

In this regard, he said Pakistan has fenced Pak-Afghan border, which has greatly helped in curbing the menace of smuggling.

He said Government under its mega 10 billion trees afforestration project also included merged areas and focus would be made on planting of olive trees from Bajaur to South Waziristan due to its ideal climate conditions that would help increase ghee oil production and boost country’s exports manifolds.

The Prime Minister said that his government was committed for uplifting the downtrodden segment of the society by establishing welfare state in line with Rayast e Madina principles.