Aziz underlines smooth Afghan transition

ISLAMABAD (PAN, saying its policy toward neighbours remained neutral and cooperative.

“Afghanistan is passing through two-pronged transition, military transition and political, and its peaceful culmination is important for us,” Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said.

Giving a policy statement in the National Assembly, he billed withdrawal of NATO troops and next year’s presidential election in Afghanistan as important events. “If a smooth transition is not realised, it will result in civil war.”

President Hamid Karzai’s recent visit was important in thawing bilateral relations, Aziz remarked, saying Pakistan would have a role in projects like the Torkham-Jalalabad road, construction of railway track and a power project on Kunar River.

“No party in Afghanistan is Pakistan’s favorite and we will use our influence for promoting reconciliation there,” the advisor pledged, recalling Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had assured Karzai of non-interference.

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