FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi says no military solution to Afghan issue

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that there is no military solution to the Afghan issue.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting with the Afghan political delegation on Monday, he said that Pakistan wants an end to chaos in Afghanistan. "Pakistan is very clear on our position: we believe that a negotiated political settlement is the only way forward. We do not wish to see continued cycle of civil war & want the people of Afghanistan to thrive, not simply survive."

"380 members of the foreign diplomatic staff has reached Pakistan. We will send more planes to bring the people stranded in Afghanistan," he declared.

He said that today’s meeting with a political delegation of Afghanistan’s leaders led by Muhammad Younas Qanooni, all of whom have a vital stake in the country’s future, took place at an extremely critical time. "Our ultimate objective is a peaceful, united, democratic, stable and prosperous."

The minister said that Pakistan is committed to continue playing a positive role for regional peace and stability. "Pakistan is extending full cooperation to foreign missions, international organizations and media outlets for temporary relocation and repatriation of staff. Our mission in Kabul is fully functional and providing consular services with a special facilitation cell established at the Interior Ministry," he concluded.