Pakistan wants 'responsible' withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan: FM Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi Tuesday said that being an important stakeholder in Afghan peace process, Pakistan wanted a ‘responsible’ withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

He was addressing a joint press conference with his German counterpart Heiko Maas, who arrived here earlier today to hold discussions regarding regional peace and situation in Afghanistan.

Qureshi told media that he apprised Maas on the post Pulwama situation and the steps Pakistan had taken to deescalate the situation.

He said that Pakistan had been saying for long that Afghan issue could only be resolved through dialogue and we are glad that now the world was acknowledging our version.

He said however a responsible withdrawal of troops would be in better interest of Pakistan as well as the regional countries.

The German Foreign Minister said terrorism was a global challenge and Pakistan had taken a lot of steps in that regard.

“Pakistan is playing an important role in Afghanistan, being a responsible regional country also, we think that Afghan government has to be part of the process for a sustainable peace in the region,” he added.

“We feel that inclusion of Afghan government in every table talk is imperative,” he added.

The German minister appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s efforts for peace and reconciliation within the region particularly in regard to recent tension between India and Pakistan.

Maas said that Germany recognized that steps were being taken by Pakistan in deescalating the situation. “We believe that Kashmir requires immediate solution and both sides can contribute in resolving the long standing concerning situation in South Asia,” he added.

Qureshi said that Pakistan had always stressed the need for a dialogue as it was the only way forward towards prosperity and development of this region. “Within India, the voices are rising to have a dialogue with Pakistan over Kashmir issue,” he added.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said that both sides discussed the opportunities for enhancing trade, economy and investment in Pakistan.

“The German investments coming to Pakistan are very encouraging. We also discussed the increasing interests of Pakistani students in German educational institutes and how both the Governments can provide assistance in visas process,” he added.

The minister said while discussing the economic opportunities, idea of a proper trade chamber was proposed and Pakistan believed it would be a great step forward in mutual economic relations.