ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged the United States and its allied forces to remain in Afghanistan until peace was restored in the war-torn country, stressing on the need for a negotiated solution to the 17-year-old conflict.
“The US and allied forces should not withdraw from Afghanistan until the situation stabilizes in the country,” Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesman for the Foreign Office, said in his weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
He, however, clarified that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and efforts should be made for a negotiated settlement as it was “the most viable option”.
He added that the US troops and other allied forces were staying in Afghanistan according to the terms of a United Nations’ mandate which is renewed every year. “These forces are staying there for peace, stability and development,” he said, dispelling the impression that Pakistan may invite the ire of the Afghan Taliban by suggesting that there be no withdrawal on part of America from the country.
Faisal said that it was a step in the right direction that all relevant stakeholders, including the United States, were on the same page in terms of suggesting that peace was the only solution to the conflict. “They all are exploring the possibilities of peace and reconciliation. Pakistan welcomes efforts for a negotiated settlement and will extend all possible support in this regard,” he said.
The spokesman added that Pakistan was fencing its border with Afghanistan to check the movement of nefarious elements, while urging Kabul to do the same. He, however, said that the Chaman border crossing point would remain open as Islamabad was “committed to facilitate trade and people to people contact with the neighboring country”.
Responding to a question about the Afghan Taliban’s recent meeting with US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar, the spokesman said that Pakistan was not aware of it. “We are not aware of any such meeting and negotiations of Taliban with US in Qatar,” he said.