Leader of the Hizb-e-Islami, Afghanistan, Mr Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, called on President Dr Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. While welcoming the visiting dignitary, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that Pakistan and Afghanistan shared a similar history, culture and religion and the two brotherly countries must further strengthen bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of two peoples. He said that Pakistan would continue to stand by the Afghan nation in difficult times and would continue to contribute to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.
The President underscored the need for peace and stability in Afghanistan, which he said, would benefit not only Afghanistan and Pakistan but the entire region as well. He assured that Pakistan would continue to support Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process for an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement. He expressed the hope that the peace agreement between the USA and the Taliban and the Intra- Afghan Negotiations would help bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. The President warned against the role of spoilers who are bent upon derailing the peace process. He added that the Afghan leadership must seize this historic opportunity to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan and save the peace-process from being harmed.
The President emphasized that Pakistan’s positive contribution in promoting peace in Afghanistan had been acknowledged by the international community. He highlighted Pakistan’s support to Afghanistan, particularly, the assistance extended to Afghan refugees, opening of the border for transit and bilateral trade during Covid-19, and revised visa policy for Afghan nationals.
Mr Gulbuddin Hekmatyar lauded Pakistan’s efforts for promotion of peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
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