Pakistan committed to peace in Afghanistan: Mushahid

SM Zafar calls for immediate pullout of all foreign troops in Afghanistan * Afghan parliamentarian says Afghan soil won’t be used against friends and neighbours ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan, believing that this is in the interest of the entire region, Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayyed said on Tuesday. He was speaking at a meeting between the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the External Relations Committee of meshrano jirga of Afghanistan. Mushahid said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were bound together by centuries-old historical, cultural and religious ties. The destiny of the two countries is linked with each other and both countries must therefore build up a relationship of trust to face all regional and global challenges, he added. Mushahid said that it was imperative for both countries to speak with one voice on all levels. He expressed satisfaction over the fact that bilateral trade had risen to $1.2 billion and that Pakistan had already provided $130 million, out of its total commitment of $300 million, to Afghanistan. Mushahid Hussain said that there was a very useful exchange of views between the leaders of the two countries during the Berlin Conference. He said the issue of terrorism must be examined in depth. A large number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan might be responsible for the sudden upsurge in terrorism, as the two countries have to struggle jointly to eradicate the scourge, the senator added. Foreign troops: Senator SM Zafar called for the immediate pullout of all foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan. He also expressed surprise over the increasing Indian influence in Afghanistan, particularly following the opening of more Indian consulates in lesser-known areas of Afghanistan. He alleged that it could be one of the reasons for increased abductions of Pakistani nationals in the area, including the Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan. Senator Prof Khurshid Ahmad called for face-to-face contact to be strengthened, particularly between legislators and parliamentarians. He said that non-interference in each other’s internal affairs was the best policy for both countries. Following the end of the cold war, NATO was looking for a new role and the Muslim world must realise the geo-strategic equation that is emerging in the world, he said. Senators Wasim Sajjad, Saadia Abbasi and Tahir Hussain Mashhadi also called for greater interaction between parliamentarians of both countries. Afghan soil: First Deputy Speaker of the Upper House of Afghan Parliament Syed Hamed Gailani said: “We will never allow Afghan soil to be used against our friends and neighbours. Terrorism is a common but complex challenge for which we have to find a lasting solution.” He said Pakistan was like a second homeland for Afghanis, adding that people of Afghanistan were greatly beholden to Pakistan for providing shelter and succour to more than three million Afghan refugees for over three decades. Gailani said that the ongoing dialogue would help find a solution to problems creating strain in Pak-Afghan relations. Parliamentarians of both sides stressed the need to view the issue of terrorism and extremism in totality in a comprehensive manner and urged a greater role of ulema and tribal elders in this regard. Senators Wasim Sajjad, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, SM Zafar, Maulana Samiul Haq, Saadia Abbasi, Prof Khurshid Ahmad, Senate Deputy Chairman Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali and representatives of the Hans Sidle Foundation attended the meeting. app