-UNSG’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional
Issues Jean arrives in Islamabad
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser Dr. Moeed Yusuf Thursday in a call on with UNSG’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues Jean Arnault said regional corridor was linked to peace in Afghanistan.
The National Security Adviser discussed the situation in Afghanistan during the meeting with the United Nation Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, said a statement here received.
Dr Moeed said Pakistan was standing for peace and stability in Afghanistan as peace in Afghanistan meant peace in the region.
Jean Arnault during his meeting with the National Security Adviser praised Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability. Dr Moeed vowed that Pakistan would continue all efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood received UN Secretary- General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues Mr. Jean Arnault Thursday. During the meeting, views were exchanged on latest developments in the Afghan peace process and the way forward.
The Foreign Secretary briefed Mr. Arnault on Pakistan’s consistent policy of support to Afghan peace process, forging closer Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relationship, and facilitating economic integration and regional connectivity.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-held view that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong desire for a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan, which was the only way forward. He also underlined that securing a negotiated political settlement would require sustained and constructive engagement as well as flexibility by the Afghan leaders.
The Foreign Secretary expressed concern over the high incidence of violence in Afghanistan and stressed that all sides must work for immediate reduction in violence, leading to ceasefire.
In the context of regional mechanisms, the Foreign Secretary emphasized that the “Troika Plus” format brought together all major stakeholders to help promote meaningful progress in the Afghan peace process.
The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland under a time-bound and well-resourced road-map supported by the international community.
