ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Monday that Durand-line was a settled issue and opening discussions on this issue was a distraction from the more pressing issues requiring the priority attention and cooperation of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Responding to a query regarding Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s recent press conference in Kabul, Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said Durand-Line is a settled issues and it should not be discussed any more.
Commenting on Karzai’s remarks, in which he urged Taliban to “turn and target” and “aim their weapons at” Afghanistan’s enemies, the spokesperson stated that the continuing fight against terrorism and extremism warrants Pakistan, Afghanistan, and all other stakeholders to work together in a spirit of cooperation and harmony.
He recalled that President Karzai had in the past asked Pakistan to use its influence on the Taliban to enter into dialogue for reconciliation process adding that Pakistan had responded positively to that call.
The spokesperson added Pakistan will continue its support for the Afghan reconciliation process.
“Pakistan remains fully committed to assist in all sincerity to peace and sustainable economic development in Afghanistan, which we believe is in the vital interest of Pakistan and our region,” he said.
