Afghan situation, unresolved disputes challenges to regional peace and stability: PM

While addressing the International Conference on "South Asia-Central Asia Regional Connectivity-Challenges and Opportunities in Tashkent today (Friday), PM said that regional peace and stability is of extreme importance for enhanced trade and economic cooperation in the region.

“Afghanistan serves as the natural land bridge between Central Asia and South Asia, and peace in Afghanistan is the most critical factor for regional connectivity,” he said.

PM further stated that Pakistan's foremost priority is the stability in Afghanistan as it directly affects Pakistan.

“Pakistan will continue to extend its support towards all initiatives of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. We encourage all the neighbors and international stakeholders for their positive roles for a political settlement in Afghanistan,” he said.

Expressing disappointment over the allegations against Pakistan from the Afghan side, PM said that no country more than Pakistan has tried harder to get Taliban on dialogue table.

“We have made every effort to get the Taliban on dialogue table and have peaceful settlement. To blame Pakistan for what is happening in Afghanistan is extremely unfair. Pakistan is a partner in peace only,” he said.

“Pakistan has suffered immensely due to instability in Afghanistan. We laid our lives and hosted refugees,” he added.

Referring to the unresolved disputes in the region, Imran Khan said Kashmir is the core issue between Pakistan and India adding that huge potential of cooperation remains untapped because of unresolved disputes in the region.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan welcomes cooperation between Gwadar Port and other ports of the region and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative, and it will promote regional cooperation.

Courtesy: Radio Pakistan