ANP Leader Rejects Terrorism Link, Urges Afghan-Pakistan Dialogue
The leader of Pakistan’s Awami National Party has emphasized that terrorism is a result of the West’s proxy wars, through which attempts were made to link Pashtuns and Afghanistan with terrorism, something he described as false and unjust.
Aimal Wali Khan added that there is a need to open trade routes with neighboring countries to enable peace, stability, and economic development in the region.
Wali Khan said: “There should be friendly and trade relations with all neighboring countries. Linking Pashtun identity with terrorism is not right. Terrorism was imposed on us and was actually the outcome of Western proxy wars. Later, under the same framework, efforts were made to associate Pashtuns and Afghanistan with terrorism, which is against the truth and based on injustice.”
On the other hand, Asad Qaiser, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also emphasized Pakistan’s need for economic ties with Afghanistan and stressed resolving challenges with Afghanistan through dialogue.
Qaiser stated: “Our entire reliance is on trade with Afghanistan. I urge the Afghan government to address some concerns. Nevertheless, both countries should use diplomatic channels to resolve issues in a better way.”
The opposition parties’ emphasis on resolving issues with Afghanistan comes as, a day earlier, the Minister of Interior of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan also stated in Barmal district of Paktika province that Pakistan wants peace and does not wish Afghan or Pakistani soil to be used against one another.
Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani said: “Pakistan is our Islamic neighbor and brother. We also want security for them. May God bring an Islamic system, brotherhood, and security there as well, so that neither side harms the other.”
The continued strain in Kabul-Islamabad relations comes as earlier, Turkey also withdrew from mediating between the two countries, citing what it called Pakistan’s unreasonable demands from Afghanistan.
