Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had said that Pakistan has a crucial stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan as it has suffered the most because of the ongoing conflict across the border.

In a meeting with US CENTCOM Commander General Joseph L Votel on Saturday, the prime minister said that Pakistan was committed to supporting Afghanistan as it had been hosting five million Afghan refugees for over three decades.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Khawaja Asif, Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir, National Security Adviser Lt Gen (r) Nasser Khan Janjua and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua were present during the meeting.

According to details, PM Abbasi said that Pakistan would continue to support Afghan government and society in various ways, including infrastructural development and scholarships to Afghan students. He also expressed concern about the presence of Daesh in Afghanistan which was a threat to all its neighbors.

Speaking on the occasion, General Votel acknowledged the Pakistan’s role in achieving peace and security in Afghanistan. Votel also appreciated the efforts being made by Pakistan in war on terror.

Abbasi agreed with General Votel on the importance of working closely to address regional issues. The PM said that the South Asian review undertaken by the US should take into account Pakistan’s efforts in fighting against terrorism and its commitment to peace and security in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the prime minister also raised the issue of human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir.

Published in Daily Times, August 20^th 2017.