Afghan FM urges Pakistan, TTP to hold dialogue ‘amid rising terrorism’

ISLAMABAD: Following the increase in terror incidents, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister (FM) Amir Muttaqi on Monday urged Pakistan and the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to sit together for dialogue, ARY News reported.

Addressing an event at Islamabad’s Institute of Strategic Studies, Afghan FM noted that the Taliban government had helped initiate negotiations between Pakistan and the TTP to find a ‘solution to the problem’.

“We do not want any bloodshed and unrest on the land of Pakistan,” he maintained, requesting that Islamabad and the banned outfit sit together for dialogue.

Amir Muttaqi acknowledged Islamabad’s loss while fighting against terrorism, saying that in the last 20 years, the country has lost 80,000 lives. He maintained that Afghanistan’s territory will not be allowed to be used against any country

The acting foreign minister noted that the Taliban government wanted peace in both countries ‘at all cost’, but TTP was not an organisation formed two years ago.

He added that the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan have made sacrifices and now “we have to take advantage of the opportunities for economic development”. The acting FM also stressed that economic connectivity with Pakistan and Central Asian countries is important.

Referring to Afghanistan’s current economic situation, Muttaqi said that the Taliban government has tried to overcome the challenges and improve the situation after coming to power.

He added that according to a World Bank report, inflation has decreased in the war-torn country and the Afghan currency has also stabilised.

The Afghan leader said trade between the two nations continued despite political differences and hoped to continue economic relations in the future. “Closure of trade routes eliminates several employment opportunities for ordinary citizens,” he regretted.

Afghan FM suggested that bilateral progress can increase 10 times with Pakistan’s investment in Afghanistan’s energy reserves.

Muttaqi is currently on a four-day visit to Pakistan. Besides holding bilateral meetings, he has also participated in the 5th China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue on Saturday.

Earlier, the National Security Committee (NSC) approved a multi-pronged comprehensive operation with the support of the government and the nation to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country with a new resolve, determination and valour.

The committee proclaimed that the recent wave of terrorism was the result of the soft corner and the absence of a well-thought-out policy against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP

It was noted that due to the return of the dangerous terrorists and the support of different terrorist organizations to them from Afghanistan, peace and stability, which were the result of innumerable sacrifices and continuous efforts, were affected.