Frequent parliamentary interactions to boost Pak-Afghan ties stressed

Deputy Chairman Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali on Thursday emphasised frequent parliamentary interactions for generating better understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan and to seek solutions to common challenges facing the two nations. Having an interactive session with visiting Afghan Parliamentary delegation here, he said that Afghanistan is an independent country and historical evidence indicates that brave Afghan people never allowed foreign occupants to take route on their soil.
Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Hafiz Rashid and Secretary Senate Iftikharullah Babar were also present on the occasion. "The doors and hearts of Pakistani people are always open for their Afghan brethren. The more we interact the more understanding we have and will be better able to cope the challenges," Jamali added.
Jamali reiterated that it is high time that we must strive for bringing the two nations closer as we share common history, culture, language, religion and borders. Speaking on the occasion, President of Meshrano Jirga (Upper House) Fazl-e-Hadi Muslimyar said Afghanistan is an independent country and wants to be dealt as such and Pakistan can play crucial role in development of Afghanistan. Pakistan's co-operation in this regard is incumbent for stability of Afghanistan and the whole region.
"We need Pakistan's assistance in post-withdrawal scenario of US led forces for making Afghanistan stable and sustainable. We must join hands for better future of our children," he added. He said that Nato containers stoppage should not affect Afghanistan's interests and trade with Pakistan and asked deputy chairman to use his good office in order to expedite completion of the projects initiated by Pakistan in Afghanistan. "We consider Pakistan as our second home and appreciate education opportunities provided to Afghan students," he said.