Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s stout support for ending four decades of conflict in Afghanistan.
“After Afghanistan, Pakistan has suffered the most due to the conflict across the border,” Khan told a two-day seminar for exploring opportunities to boost investment and trade between the neighbours.
A 17-member Afghan parliamentary delegation, led by Wolesi Jirga Speaker Rahmani, is participating in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Forum 2020.
“What history has shown us is that foreign interference has never been successful in Afghanistan; the people need to make their own decisions,” Khan told the inaugural session of the event in Islamabad.
“Pakistan will work with the Afghan government and will keep the bilateral relationship strong,” promised the prime minister, the chief guest at the inaugural gathering.
About fears that India might use Afghanistan to destabilise Pakistan, he said his administration would respect the wishes of Afghans.
He went on to say the future of the South Asian region was linked to the relationship and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Trade was the only way to bring prosperity to both countries, believed the cricketer-turned politician, who has long emphasised on a political settlement in Afghanistan.
Lawmakers, ministers and businessmen from the two countries are attending the two-day seminar. USAID Pakistan has also extended support for organising the seminar.
Pakistan-Afghanistan transit trade and investment opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, food and livestock sectors will be discussed by speakers.
