ISALAMABAD - NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Sir Nicholas Kay has met Pakistan People’s Party parliamentary leader in Senate Sherry Rehman.
The two leaders discussed issues of mutual concern and agreed on the importance of the peace process and stabilisation goals in Afghanistan.
Rehman stressed Pakistan’s positive role in facilitating dialogue, claiming Islamabad had extended all possible support to Kabul on issues concerning refugees and reconciliation.
It was agreed that a reduction in violence in Afghanistan was necessary for moving towards sustainable peace. An inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and improved regional trade were also discussed.
Rehman said. “As the volume of (Af-Pak) trade and transit continues to shrink, South Asian states should focus on geo-economics and restart trade talks.”
The trade volume between the two states, which used to be around $2.7 billion a few years ago, had slumped to $500 million, she explained.
“If peace talks don’t gain the necessary momentum and violence in Afghanistan intensifies, it is not only the Afghans who suffer. History has told us that Pakistan comes in a close second.”Kay, Rehman want Afghan peace bid intensified. (Pajhwok)