Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at a joint press conference
Kabul … News Time
Pakistan peace activist in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives in Kabul on a one-day visit the two countries agreed to intensify joint efforts to exchange intelligence and enhance closer cooperation in the wake of recent terrorist incidents in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that there is no military solution to the Afghan problem. The escalation of violence after the Doha talks is a matter of concern. Pakistan will play its role beyond Afghanistan’s expectations in establishing peace and ending violence in Afghanistan. Promoting peace and connectivity will lead to economic development. The boom in economic activity will change the lives of people on both sides of the border, while Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he wanted to end violence and boost regional co-operation through a positive political process. Everyone needs to understand that political dialogue is the solution, not violence.
Imran Khan’s visit has laid the foundation of trust today and we will continue our journey for lasting peace. The two leaders met at the Presidential Palace in Kabul on Thursday and later addressed a joint press conference. Pak-Afghan bilateral relations and the Afghan peace process were discussed during the meeting. On the occasion, Imran Khan said that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and Pakistan would respect the decisions of Afghans in the peace process. The prime minister warned that some people could undermine peace efforts. Later, talks were also held between the two countries at the level of delegations and foreign ministers. During the press conference, the Prime Minister said that he wanted to know how Pakistan could help Afghanistan. He assured the Afghan president that he would provide full support to reduce the violence. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the rising incidence of violence in Afghanistan and supported the establishment of committees comprising representatives of the two governments for mutual discussion.
The Prime Minister lamented that the citizens of Afghanistan have been facing violence for the past four decades. Pakistan is also very concerned that its tribal areas are affected by this situation. The purpose of my visit at this particular time is to send a message that Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan. Promoting peace and connectivity is the best way to ensure prosperity in the region. Close co-operation between the two countries’ committees and intelligence agencies will help find effective solutions to peace and stability.
Earlier, Ashraf Ghani welcomed Imran Khan’s visit and said that his visit was important for enhancing trust and cooperation. “Our common focus will be on eradicating poverty and empowering our people,” he said. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has come up with an important message to help end the violence. “Everyone needs to understand that political dialogue is the solution, not violence,” he said. Imran Khan’s visit has laid the foundation of trust today and we will continue our journey for lasting peace. He also announced an early visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Earlier in Kabul, Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar and Afghan President’s Special Envoy for Pakistan Mohammed Umar Daudzai and senior officials received Imran Khan and his delegation. On arrival at the Presidential Palace, Ashraf Ghani received the Prime Minister and the delegation. Upon arrival at the presidential palace, the Prime Minister was presented with a guard of honor by the Afghan Armed Forces. After which the Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Honor along with the Afghan President. A formal reception in honor of the Prime Minister was held at the Presidential Palace. Meanwhile, a statement has been issued on Imran Khan’s visit to Afghanistan, saying that the Prime Minister visited Kabul at the invitation of President Ashraf Ghani, his first visit to Afghanistan since taking office. Imran Khan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, the statement said and reviewed joint efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to set up committees to discuss security and peace issues.
