Our stand on Afghanistan stands vindicated, prime minister says

Islamabad has always called for dialogue and a negotiated peaceful settlement — Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday expressed satisfaction over the vindication of Pakistan’s stance that peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved through a politically negotiated process.

“The United States for the first time recognised what the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has always been saying: that there is no military solution to Afghanistan,” Khan said in his remarks at a meeting of the federal cabinet here at the PM Office.

Khan recalled his meeting with the US Secretary of State’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and said he was pleased to note that PTI’s stance has been acknowledged.

US President Donald Trump, in a letter to Prime Minister Khan, had sought Pakistan’s support and facilitation in achieving what he said was his most important regional priority: a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war.

Khan strongly defended his financial team and its role in bolstering the national economy despite serious challenges. He particularly mentioned the role of the Ministries of Finance, Commerce and Planning.

He mentioned the investment pledge of $450 million (Dh1.65 billion) by Suzuki, $200 million by Coca Cola, $400 million by Pepsi, an immediate investment of $200 million by ExxonMobil and $900 million by JW Forland.