First Afghan peace conference underway in Bhurban
Qureshi said that Pakistan is in the favor of peace process in Afghanistan for regional stability.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday has welcomed the delegations at the first Afghan peace conference called ‘Lahore Process’ that isunderway in Bhurban, Murree today (Saturday).
At least fifty seven delegates including Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, senators and members of Afghan parliament are attending the moot. Afghan High Peace Council chairman Karim Khalili and Uzbek leader Rashid Dostum have also come to participate in the conference.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi addresses the opening session
In his inaugural speech, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is in the favor of peace in Afghanistan for the stability of the region. He said that reconciliation can resolve Afghanistan issue, not military force.
Pakistan and Afghanistan should not use their lands against each other, he added.
The foreign ministe said Pakistan has whole-heartedly facilitated the Afghan peace process in good faith and as a shared responsibility and will continue playing its due role.
He said after the Afghan nation, no one has suffered more than the people of Pakistan due to this persistent instability and conflict. Advancing the cause of peace and stability in Afghanistan is, therefore, in Pakistan s own national interest.
Qureshi continued we wish to see a friendly Afghanistan, governed by an elected leadership, representative of the aspirations of all Afghans. We are committed to enhancing people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges, he reiterated.
Lahore Process is also discussing different areas including connectivity, trade, economy and health. It is also delibrating on the issue of repatriation of Afghan refugees who have been living in Pakistan for the last four decades.
President Arif Alvi will host a dinner in the honor of Afghan members whereas they will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.
