Afghan peace talks to enter critical phase from Jan 5

 Afghan peace talks to enter critical phase from Jan 5

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed its ‘concern’ about some ‘negative’ comments which still emanate from certain official also as unofficial Afghan circles especially at a time when Afghan social process is making encouraging progress towards a political solution of the conflict, and important phase of talks is beginning from January 05, 2021.

Kabul was reminded that it had been important to spotlight that public blame game is detrimental to the Afghan social process also on their shared efforts for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

“Pakistan would really like to reiterate its firm commitment for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s efforts are acknowledged and appreciated by the Afghan society and therefore the international community,” said the ministry on Sunday. However, it didn't say which particular anti-Pakistan statements coming from Kabul it were pertaining to , but sent a warning that it had been important to stop domestic and regional detractors from their subversive designs. However, it acknowledged that because the negotiations enter a crucial and important phase from January 05, 2021, the negotiators are going to be that specialize in the substantive issues concerning a comprehensive future political settlement.

“In this delicate phase of the intra-Afghan negotiations, it's important for the negotiating parties to avoid accusations and to demonstrate wisdom, sagacity and vision for the larger objective of lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the ministry said.

It reminded the govt of President Ashraf Ghani that for any misunderstandings or clarifications rather than going public, the acceptable institutional forums are in situ for such discourse like Groups of APPAPS.

“In addition, during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Kabul in November, the 2 sides also agreed on further strengthening their contacts on matters concerning security and social process . Pakistan reiterated that it might still emphasise the mutually agreed fundamentals that each one bilateral issues including security and intelligence matters should be addressed through relevant bilateral forums and channels. The ministry once more emphasised that there's no military solution to the Afghan conflict and solution of the conflict through a political process is that the only way forward.

“Towards this end, Pakistan has been engaged in serious efforts to facilitate an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned social process . During the present year, our long-held position was vindicated and Pakistan’s serious efforts facilitated important breakthroughs within the social process , including: (a) US-Taliban Peace Agreement of leap day (b) commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations on September 12 and (c) agreement among Afghan parties on the principles and procedures on December 2, 2020,” it explained.

Expressing its deep concern at the increasing level of violence in Afghanistan during the present year, the ministry pointed to statements from Prime Minister Imran Khan, who on several occasions, had involved reduction in violence resulting in ceasefire.

“It is vital to underline the necessity for Afghan government to require pro-active measures to fulfil its responsibility for internal security, law and order and protection of Afghan lives. Pakistan stands able to extend all possible cooperation within the area of security and effective border management through effective institutional collaboration,” the Kabul government was told.

Afghanistan was also reminded that the 2 countries have witnessed positive trajectory in bilateral ties with significant progress on important bilateral matters including revision of APTTA and commencement of negotiations on PTA.

“High level leadership contacts and bilateral visits including that of Pakistan’s premier are a manifestation of further strengthening of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. the 2 sides must still repose on the momentum and stop domestic and regional detractors from their subversive designs,” the ministry said. Pakistan desires and continues to support a peaceful, stable, united, independent, democratic, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan.

It is important that Afghans should seize this historic opportunity for reaching an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement to bring an end to the decades-long internal conflict.