22 January 2019

Imran Khan’s Govt Sees ‘No Role’ For India In Afghanistan

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Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson said Thursday that India has no role in Afghanistan adding that Islamabad played a key role in arranging direct talks between the US and the Taliban to find a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict.

Speaking at the weekly briefing, Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan always maintained that the solution to the conflict in Afghanistan lies in an Afghan-led and Afghan owned peace process.

“In pursuance of that (policy), we have facilitated direct talks between the US and the Taliban,” he said.

He said Pakistan is convinced that an intra-Afghan dialogue will lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“In our view, intra-Afghan dialogue is crucial for success and sustainability of peace process in Afghanistan. Pakistan will continue to support and facilitate Afghan peace process in good faith and as part of a shared responsibility,” he said.

India Today reports that responding to a question on India’s role in the country, Faisal said “India has no role in Afghanistan”.

Faisal’s remarks contradict Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s earlier statement in which he acknowledged that India had stakes in Afghanistan and its cooperation was necessary for the peace process.

“Some meetings have taken place (among key stakeholders) for establishment of peace in Afghanistan. India also has stakes in Afghanistan and its cooperation will also be needed,” Qureshi said last month.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the country.

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