Will continue efforts in Afghanistan despite Ghani’s accusation: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday that Pakistan wants durable peace in Afghanistan and will continue to play its constructive role in this regard despite baseless allegations of President Ashraf Ghani.

In a statement, the foreign minister said Pakistan always played a positive role for peace in Afghanistan and Pakistani delegation is also present in the Peace Dialogue being held in Doha today.

“The world is appreciating and acknowledging Pakistan’s reconciliatory and sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan,” he added.

He said that unfortunately, Pakistan is being blamed for the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan by some Afghan elements. He said the role of these ‘spoilers’ should be monitored strictly.

The foreign minister urged all stakeholders for collective hard work and efforts for regional peace as rising violence in Afghanistan is very concerning for Pakistan.

Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the situation and maintained that the country has “no favourites in Afghanistan”.

“If there was a military solution to the Afghan situation it would have been reached. However, no such military solution has come to light,” he maintained.

According to the foreign minister, Pakistan was in touch with all of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries and wants to come up with ‘an integrated strategy’ for peace.

“We are concerned about the escalating violence in Afghanistan. All countries in the region must work together for peace”, he emphasised.

“We do not want to interfere in the affairs of Afghanistan, however, we are ready and willing to play the role of the good neighbour”, he said.

FM Qureshi further stated that fencing was done at the Pak-Afghan border to stop the movement of “unwanted elements”.

“25,000 to 30,000 people cross the border daily, and we do not want dangerous elements to enter into Pakistan and worsen the country’s situation”, he said, adding that movement across the border should be regulated.

He further expressed deep concern over the negative role of India as president of the UN Security Council for a month.