PM says US accepted his stance on Afghanistan issue

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed ‘satisfaction’ as the United States (US) accepted his stance for bringing peace back in Afghanistan, ARY News reported on Thursday.

Expressing his views during the cabinet meeting here in Islamabad today, PM said Pakistan has always played an active role to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and it felt ‘good’ that the world powers particularly the United States, has recognized Pakistan’s contribution to this effect.

The premier said US special envoy on Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad during his recent visit to Islamabad had very productive meetings with him and the foreign minister on the subject.

“Afghanistan issue cannot be resolved through use of the force, the resolution lies in the table talks with the stakeholders,” prime minister maintained.

Prime Minister Khan said Pakistan is in-touch with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iranian leadership to bring peace in Yemen by bringing all the parties concerned to the negotiating table.

He said during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, he had discussed the Yemen issue with the Saudi leadership and received a very positive response from them. He said Iranian Foreign Minister Jawwad Zarif also paid a visit to Islamabad and discussed the modalities for Yemen peace process.

Focusing on the Kartarpur corridor, the PM said Pakistan had taken a land mark initiative by inaugurating the Kartarpur crossing to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims to visit their sacred religious places in Pakistan.

Mr Khan said no one should indulge in politics on such purely religious and public interest issues for seeking any political mileage. He regretted that Indian government is trying to politicize the Kartarpur initiative whereas the Sikh community all around the world has warmly welcomed Pakistan’s move.

Turning towards domestic issues, the Prime Minister lauded the performance of his economic team to steer the country out of severe economic crisis, “Economic indicators are showing positive trend as Pakistan has now entered the phase of an emerging economy,” he contented.