Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the people of Afghanistan live in the hearts of their Pakistanis brethren hence peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan. The Prime Minister stated this during a meeting with Afghan Parliamentary delegation, who called on him here on Wednesday.
He said that Afghanistan is very close to his heart and he has fond memories of the place, adding that the exchanges of such parliamentary delegations are very useful in bringing the people of two countries closer. Sharif said that he wants to see the same Kabul that used to be in 60s and 70s and hopes that peace and tranquility will return to the country soon.
He added that both the countries are committed not to allow use of their territories against each other. The Prime Minister further stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan want to make this region peaceful, progressive and prosperous and operation Zarb-e-Azb has dismantled terrorist network and their infrastructure.
In the backdrop of the visit of President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan and London Conference on Afghanistan, the two countries are committed to transforming mutual relationship, with a special focus on four elements; (a) enhanced political engagement; (b) deeper security and counter terrorism co-operation; (c) expanded trade and economic partnership and; (d) regional co-operation.
Afghan delegation strongly condemned the attack in Peshawar, saying that peace is in the best interest of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The delegation added that Afghanistan values Pakistan's commitment towards lasting peace and invited Nawaz Sharif to visit Afghanistan at his convenience.
The two sides also agreed that exchanges between both the countries may also include provincial legislators. Other members of the delegation included the members of Senate (Meshrano Jirga) - Mohammad Hassan Hotak, Fowzea Saadat Zamkhanai, Mir Bahador Wasifi, Ghulam Mohaiudin Monsef, Rana Tareen and Lutfullah Baba. The Members of Parliament (Wolesi Jirga) were Ali Akbar Qasemi, Qudratullah Zaki, Gul Badshah Majidi, Sayed Nader Shah Bahr, Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai, Zakaria Zakaria, Baz Mohammad Jawzjani and Sherwali Wardak. Advisor to the prime minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Asif Kirmani also attended the meeting.