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February 29, 2020

PM Imran welcomes US, Afghan Taliban peace deal

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday welcomed the US, Afghan Taliban peace deal that took place earlier in the day, ending an 18-year-old long war.

In a tweet the premier said: "We welcome the Doha Accord signed between US & the Taliban.This is the start of a peace & reconciliation process to end decades of war & suffering of the Afghan people."

"I have always maintained that a pol solution, no matter how complex, is the only meaningful path to peace," he said.

PM Imran prayed for the Afghan people who suffered four decades of bloodshed, adding that all stake holders had to ensure stability and peace after the accord.

"Now all stakeholders have to ensure that spoilers are kept at bay. My prayers for peace for the Afghan people who have suffered 4 decades of bloodshed," he said.

"Pakistan is committed to playing its role in ensuring the agreement holds & succeeds in bringing peace to Afghanistan," the premier added.

Pakistan's critics were full of praises for us today: FM Qureshi
Speaking to Geo News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said those who used to criticise Pakistan were praising the country today.

"Congratulations to the whole nation, Pakistan is being accorded respect in the entire situation [of the Afghan peace talks]," he said.

The foreign minister said the peace deal did not come about easily. He said it had taken a year-and-a-half to ensure the agreement was signed between the two parties. "A lot of diplomatic efforts and work were carried out due to which we were able to see this day," said an elated Qureshi.

He credited Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying that his stance had been vindicated today. He said that when the prime minister used to say that there was no option but a political solution to resolve the Afghan conflict, people laughed at him.

"Pakistan has increased its trust level in the world due to its efforts," he said. "Pakistan has earned the trust of the world based on its hard work and efforts."

Speaking on the challenges that the fragile deal faces, the foreign minister said that Pakistan was wary of those who wanted to sabotage the agreement. "Even Pompeo said the US would keep an eye on those who would sabotage the deal," he said. "Pakistan has never been negligent of those who want to worsen the situation [in Afghanistan]," he said.

The foreign minister said he was in Doha since Friday and was worried that an act, sentence or any other activity would further delay the deal. "Alhamdulillah, that did not happen," he said.

US-Taliban sign historic peace deal
After years of long hectic negotiations, the United States and Afghan Taliban signed a peace deal to put an end to the 18-year-old long bloodshed in the country.

Taliban's deputy leader and chief negotiator Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar signed the peace accord on behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, while US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad signed on behalf of Washington.

The signing ceremony was attended by Afghan Taliban, Afghan government officials and leaders from US, Qatar and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also present at the signing of US-Taliban peace deal in Doha on behalf of Pakistan.

Courtesy www.thenews.com.pk

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