KABUL: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Syed Abrar Hussain, has emphasised on the need for close cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the common challenges such as terrorism and extremism. While addressing the participants at a flag hoisting ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy today, Hussain said both countries were facing social, economic and security problems and that it was necessary to forge closer cooperation to overcome these difficulties. The ambassador highlighted the historical significance of Pakistan Resolution of 23rd March, 1940, which successfully paved the way for a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia. Moreover, he paid rich tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslims of Indian sub-continent for their untiring efforts and immense sacrifices that led to the creation of a separate homeland. Hussain further said that the day reminded us to work collectively to build a strong and stable Pakistan. He said that Pakistan had made remarkable progress in various fields since independence but still there were challenges which required unity and sincerity to overcome them. The ambassador also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to elimination of extremism and terror. In this regard, he highlighted the anti-terror achievements made under the Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fassad Operations. Hussain also emphasised the need for cooperation against militancy and terrorism. He said that Pakistan was strongly committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan, and had made sincere efforts in this regard. He added that a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan was not only in the interest of Pakistan but of the whole region. He assured that Pakistan would continue its efforts for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.