KABUL - Former president Hamid Karzai on Saturday said that those intending to cause divisions within the people of Afghanistan will not succeed and that the nation will not be influenced by foreign plots.

Speaking at a gathering commemorating the death of a prominent Pakistani politician Afzal Khan earlier this month, Karzai reiterated the call to Pakistani politicians and political parties to take practical steps to bolster sustainable peace and tranquility in the volatile region.

The event was also attended by some visiting Pakistani politicians where they touched on the issue of common challenges facing the two countries.

In their speech, Pakistani politicians referred to the historic relations binding the people on both sides of the Durand Line, calling them one nation.

Several Afghan politicians also attended the gathering.

"I believe that regional countries face a common threat, but conspiracy can not create division. I want to call upon you [Pakistani politicians] to use your energy for peace in the region," Karzai said.

The Pakistani politicians however also announced that Afghanistan and Pakistan were facing a common challenge and that both nations must work together to overcome the issue of terrorism and extremism.

"We have faith that the border cannot divide us and we will continue staying together as a united nation," Pakistani politician Saleem Khan said.

"Terrorism is a common threat, we must cooperate to combat the enemy collectively. Some have sacrificed their lives and families have lost loved ones in Afghanistan. They are in-fact our brothers and members of our family and we feel their pain," head of Pakistan's Awami National Party (ANP) Asfandyar Wali Khan said.

The statement comes at a time that many in Afghanistan have criticized Pakistan for its controversial role in the war against terrorism and insurgency.

"Pakistan must realize the fact that using terrorism as a tool cannot support the interests of Pakistan and the continuation of this situation will not have positive consequence ahead," Afghan writer Sulaiman Laiq said.

"Security can be restored in the region if countries work together honesty and fight terrorism, cooperation of Pakistan is a key element to combat terrorism," Afghan Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Gulab Mangal said. (Tolonews)