ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday appealed to the Taliban leadership and other Afghan groups, including Hizb-e-Islami, to participate in an intra-Afghan process for national reconciliation and peace.
“It is now time to turn a new leaf and open a new chapter in the history of Afghanistan. It is time to now combine the strengths of the Afghan people in a true spirit of our noble religion, Islam, and in accordance with the glorious traditions of Afghans to build peace and bring prosperity to Afghanistan,” the prime minister said.
PM Gilani made the appeal in response to the February 21 appeal by Afghan President Hamid Karzai to support the peace process in Afghanistan.
“It is our sincere hope that the Taliban leadership, Hizb-e-Islami and all other Afghan political leaders will respond positively to my appeal and agree to enter into direct negotiations in the framework of an intra-Afghan process for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan,” the prime minister said in a statement, adding, “Pakistan, on its part, will support such an authentic Afghan process and is prepared to do whatever it can for its success.” He said Pakistan wishes to have the best of relations with Afghanistan, adding, “Stability, peace and national reconciliation in Afghanistan is indeed critical for regional peace.” – Dailytimes
