Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday agreed to resumption of peace reconciliation process with Taliban.

The announcement in this regard was made by Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Salahuddin Rabbani and Advisor to Pakistan’s Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz at a joint press conference held here at the Foreign Office on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference. Answering a query whether Haqqani Network and other groups will also be included in the reconciliation process, the Afghanistan foreign minister said they would be welcomed provided they renounced violence and gave up arms. Both agreed that close cooperation between NDS the Afghan security agency and ISI was essential to counter terror threats. Both also agreed to give up the blame game between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Both sides agreed to ensure dignified and honourable repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan. Rabbani underscored Pakistan’s role in peace and reconciliation process. The Afghan foreign minister said effective steps need to be taken against terrorism and organised crimes. He said the Afghan government will introduce further reforms for better governance in the country to check crimes and corruption. Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani said he hoped to see “positive moves in the coming weeks” regarding peace talks. “We very much hope that Pakistan can play a very influential role and very important role in the peace and reconciliation process,” he added.

Sartaj Aziz Wednesday said Heart of Asia summit supported the Afghan-owned reconciliation process for lasting peace and stability in the country. Answering a question Sartaj said both sides had decided to send delegations to draw out the modalities. “An Afghan delegation will soon be visiting Pakistan to discuss and finalise modalities,” he said. “Daesh said it was an international problem and the international community has already started making concerted efforts to counter its threat. Pakistan is part of the effort making nations,” Sartaj said. The adviser said the conference also supported return of Afghan refugees in Pakistan to their country with dignity. Earlier, in his remarks at the conclusion of the conference, Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan desires collective efforts for peace in Afghanistan.