Peace in Afghanistan is key to regional stability,we are ready to talk with Taliban: Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that for establishing peace in the region, peace in Afghanistan is essential. He stated that the Taliban have been asked not to allow terrorism from their soil, and Pakistan is ready to engage in dialogue with them.

According to details, while addressing a press conference in the federal capital Islamabad, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that his very first meeting was in Moscow. Over the past ten to twelve days, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements included visits to Moscow, Brussels, and Bahrain. At the Moscow meeting, Pakistan presented its position on economic priorities.

He said that at the SCO conference, he represented Pakistan on the instructions of the Prime Minister and discussed the country’s stance on the energy sector and bilateral relations. He added that he visited Russia on the 17th and 18th and stated that no global power can defeat Pakistan. He invited Russian President Putin to visit Pakistan, and the Moscow visit included highly successful meetings.

The Foreign Minister further stated that there was also discussion on further enhancing ties with SCO countries. During the Moscow session, 11 decisions were made. He discussed the regional situation and peace in Gaza with the Russian President.

He added that in the meetings, he emphasized that peace is the only way forward in Afghanistan, and discussions were held on Afghanistan’s development, the issue of terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty, and the Kashmir issue. He stated that Pakistan wants stability in Afghanistan and that terrorism is unacceptable.

At the press conference, he said that for peace in the region, peace in Afghanistan is necessary. He emphasized that Pakistan has fulfilled all promises made to the public and leadership and is still ready to engage in open dialogue with the Afghan government.

Ishaq Dar said that at the SCO meeting, discussions were held on GSP Plus and various other matters. The government of Pakistan wants the Afghan people to prosper. Misunderstandings were cleared during meetings with European officials, and the European Union was briefed that Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan.

He further stated that Afghanistan was asked not to allow terrorism to emanate from its soil. The European Union supported Pakistan’s position regarding Afghanistan, and Afghan refugees are repatriated with dignity.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that Pakistan worked alongside NATO during the Afghan Cold War, met the NATO Secretary-General at NATO Headquarters, and also held meetings with eight European Union members. Pakistan collaborated with NATO during the Afghan Cold War.