The Foreign Office Thursday said Pakistan role in Doha talks between US and Taliban is just of a facilitator in a bid to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan, working with all the stakeholders. "Securing a lasting peace in Afghanistan is the top priority of incumbent government which has expressed its resolve to contribute positively in furthering the reconciliation process in Afghanistan," said Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ahmed Khan in a weekly press briefing.
When asked about Afghan government pullout from Doha talks, he said the reconciliation process requires an all inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue, adding that the talks are part of that reconciliation process. "It's our hope and expectation that all stakeholders in Afghanistan will be part of the reconciliation process to bring lasting peace in Afghanistan," he added.
To a question that Pakistan and US held secret talks before going ahead for talks with Taliban, he said Pakistan remained engaged with both US and Afghan governments, bilaterally and through other mechanisms. "Pakistan was not associated with the details of the [Doha] office...it recognises Afghan government led by President Hamid Karzai and we've been engaged with it in that capacity," he maintained. He said that the present government had already expressed its readiness to talk with Pakistani Taliban, adding when High Peace Council visited Pakistan and requested to release Taliban prisoners to help with reconciliation process, 26 Taliban prisoners were released.
"Pakistan is ready to take all necessary steps that can further the reconciliation process...as for Mullah Baradar, I don't have information on any talks about his release," he added. About cancellation of US Secretary of State John Kerry visit to Pakistan, the spokesman said that his visit was delayed due to developments in Middle East, and he is likely to pay a visit to Pakistan at an early date.
Moazzam rejected the impression that John Kerry's visit was cancelled after US chargé d'affaires was summoned to lodge protest over US drone attacks in tribal areas, saying it has nothing to do with it. "He was summoned to convey government policy in clear terms...the meeting proceeded as per diplomatic norms and courtesies. There was no mishap or discourtesy and reports to that effect are incorrect," he added.
In response to a question about US drone attacks, he said that Pakistan position on drones is very clear and the government attaches highest importance to the matter, adding on the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the matter has been taken up with US at the top level.
"The prime minister has articulated our position on this in clear terms...there is an across-the-board political consensus on Pakistan's position on the issue of drone strikes. There is also a growing international debate over the humanitarian and legal implications of drone strikes. Drone strikes must come to an end," he maintained. About the recent line of control (LoC) violation by Indian troops, he said that the firing incident was unfortunate and called upon India to respect the cease-fire along the LoC in letter and spirit. About Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, he said that the government has affirmed its commitment to resolve energy crisis and consider all options including Iran Pakistan pipeline project.
When his attention was drawn towards a statement of former American Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, who had said that after 25 years, state of Pakistan will no more exists on the map of the world, the spokesman said: "Pakistan is a formidable state and is here to stay forever."
About giving extension to some politically appointed ambassadors of the previous government, he said some political appointees have already resigned while fate of the rest will be decided by the prime minister. About Wajid Shamsul Hassan, Pakistan high commissioner to UK, he said that he has been asked to continue till his replacement takes charge.
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