Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra while felicitating Afghan citizens on the occasion of Nowroz Festival said that Afghanistan and Pakistan are two neighbouring countries sharing same traditions, culture and religion apart from that they mutually respect each other. He expressed these views while addressing the ceremony of Jashn-e-Nowroz in Mazar Sharif, Afghanistan. He was also accompanied by MNA Haji Shah Ji Gul Afridi and Pakistani delegates.
He further stated that peaceful neighbourhood enshrines a comprehensive partnership with Afghanistan for promoting peace, progress and prosperity in our region. The Governor also highlighted that terrorism remains a common threat to both the countries and peaceful Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and peaceful Pakistan is in the interest of Afghanistan.
Addressing the ceremony, the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen relations between the two countries. The Governor said that Pakistan was committed to the pursuit of comprehensive bilateral engagement in various fields such as trade, investment, culture, education and sports links. It is worth mentioning here that Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached Afghanistan on Monday and was warmly welcomed by Afghan delegates and Governor Balkh at Mazar Sharif. He also attended a luncheon hosted in his honour by Governor Balkh.
The Governor of Balkh expressed his gratitude to Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Balkh Governor appreciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's decision about reopening of Pak Afghan border and said that the decision would strengthen relations between the two countries.
It is to mention here that Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be the first Pakistani Governor to attend Nowroz celebration in Afghanistan which can bring very positive change in the region.