Moscow, Feb. 21 (TNS): Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif says Pakistan has played a vital role in war against terrorism but it cannot fight others war on its soil.
Speaking at a news conference along with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow today, he said Islamabad and Moscow share identical stance on war against terrorism.
The Minister said Pakistan has rendered unprecedented sacrifices in war against terrorism and we want peace and stability in the region.
He further said Pakistan has not backed out from the war against terrorists.
Khawja Asif said that war in not the solution of Afghan problem but only dialogue can help bring peace to the war-torn country.
He said the Taliban have now shifted to settled areas of Afghanistan.
Asif said that the unchecked and increasing presence of Daesh is a cause of concern for Pakistan.
He said Pakistan and Russia share common concerns regarding “threats posed by prevailing situation in Afghanistan…[which include] terrorism, exponential increase in drug production, [and] use of drug money for terror finance”.
The foreign minister said that the concerns also include security of regional countries, increasing presence of Daesh, location of the organisation’s camps close to border with Pakistan and central Asian states.
“An Afghan-led reconciliation process…is the only viable option for lasting peace in Afghanistan,” he added.
He also praised Russia’s role for its efforts in establishing global peace and said it is playing an instrumental role against Daesh.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to Russia for support in granting of membership to Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
