Pakistan wants troops’ withdrawal, Afghan peace process side by side: FM Qureshi

Talking to Turkey-based TRT World during his to Antalya Turkey, the foreign minister said Pakistan had called for responsible withdrawal besides desiring the peace process to go side by side.

“What I am seeing is that the withdrawal is taking place at a fairly rapid pace but peace process is moving ahead at snail pace. And that is a bit disconnect over there. And that is of concern to me,” the foreign minister said.

He said he was concerned over the rising level of violence in Afghanistan and which was not just linked to Taliban but Daesh and other spoilers within Afghanistan which were perhaps not keen to see peace and stability there.

“They have their own designs and motives. This is complicated situation. There are internal struggles going on within Afghanistan,” Qureshi said.

He said other conflicts like Jammu and Kashmir dispute were also impeding the economic progress and integration in the region.

He viewed that the world was increasingly embroiled in great competition and confrontation and people were being forced to take sides.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic was still lingering and would obviously leave behind its economic and financial implications which also necessitated the preparedness.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan had been facilitating the peace process and engaging with all regional powers at every forum including Doha process, Istanbul process, Heart of Asia and Moscow format.

He said Pakistan had been engaged constructively for peace and stability in Afghanistan and would continue to do so.