Pakistan Seeks World Help For Post-NATO Afghan Peace

Islamabad, April 21, IRNA -- Pakistan has urged all concerned stakeholders including the United States to devote their energies towards making Afghanistan peaceful, progressive, prosperous and stable country in the post-withdrawal period. Concerns about possible instability in Afghanistan grow as the endgame fast approaching and the Taliban and the U.S. have not resumed peace talks. Pakistan is also concerned about the possible direct impact of any hostilities in the war-torn neighboring country. The Foreign Ministry spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said Pakistan is in contact with all concerned in this regard and is monitoring the evolving situation. “As for support expected of Pakistan during troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan is ready to cooperate with all stakeholders to achieve the overall objective of achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan in 2014 and beyond, he said during his weekly briefing. “We are convinced that peace, stability and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Pakistanˈs own interest. Pakistan will facilitate peace process in Afghanistan in every possible manner,” he said. To another question he said there were some issues between the two countries including that of border management and military authorities of the two countries met to resolve it. “In our view, effective border management can help interdict any cross border terrorist activity. We welcome such bilateral interactions in order to enhance bilateral cooperation and reduce space for detractors,” he said. Asked to comment on allegations by Kabul about Pakistanˈs involvement in terrorist activities inside Afghanistan, the spokesman said Pakistan does not believe in allegations and counter allegations. To a question he said no country or foreign mission has contacted or approached the Foreign Ministry on the issue of former President Pervez Musharraf. Responding to yet another question, he said Pakistan-US relationship is on positive trajectory and we are collaborating in different fields. About arrival of foreign observers for the May 11 parliamentary elections, the spokesman said the EU election observers are already in Pakistan and are getting briefings while National Democratic Institute has also indicated its interest to observe elections./end