Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif Thursday emphasized that terrorism being the common challenge for both Pakistan and Afghanistan needs to be fought together for a better future of the people of the two countries. "A third party can only facilitate, but fighting terrorism is primarily our own war and we have to fight it together," the foreign minister flanked by Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal told reporters here at Embassy of Afghanistan after he condoled with Afghan envoy and other Afghan officials on the recent deaths on a series of terror attacks in Kabul.
"Through mutual trust, Pakistan and Afghanistan can successfully fight the war against terror," he said, adding that Islamabad and Kabul will have to work together to address the challenge as the enemy is taking advantage of Pak-Afghan differences. He said that there is "strong desire" on both sides of Pakistan and Afghanistan for peace in the region, adding that the high-level Afghan delegation, which arrived here on Wednesday, held constructive and positive talks with Pakistani leadership.
"The visit of the Afghan delegation also demonstrates will of the two countries to join hands in fighting the war against terror," he said, adding that Pakistan will make all-out efforts to assist Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism and restoration of the peace. Referring to the recent bombings in Kabul and the large-scale civilian casualties, he expressed deep condolences with Afghan people and the victim's families, adding, "Such happenings remind us of the need for closer cooperation to eradicate terrorism."
Afghan Ambassador Omer Zakhilwal underscored the need for narrowing down the mistrust between the two countries. He said, "bilateral engagement and ensuring that our respective soils are not used against each other are the steps towards a way forward." He also thanked the Foreign Minister for sharing the grief of Afghan people. A Foreign Office statement issued after the foreign minister's visit to Afghan Embassy stated that Khawaja Asif conveyed condolences over the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul resulting in the loss of precious human lives and infrastructure.
He was received by the Afghan Ambassador Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal. The foreign minister signed the condolence book and offered Fateha for those who have lost their lives. He also expressed sincere wishes for the early recovery of the injured. Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, adding both Afghanistan and Pakistan are victims of terrorism and that there is a need for close cooperation between the two countries to fight this common threat.
The foreign minister said that it is encouraging that a high-level Afghan delegation which visited Islamabad had productive talks with Pakistan side and it was agreed to work together to strengthen mutual trust and bilateral engagement.