Zubair Qureshi
Peace in Afghanistan will benefit all countries, particularly the region and the neighbours and with peace, new horizons for progress and development.
This was stated by Leader of Hezb-e-Wahadat-e Islami, Afghanistan Ustad Karim Khalili, while addressing a Public Talk organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Wednesday.
The event was part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. The Afghan delegation included senators and members of parliament namely Khodadad Erfani, Nafisa Azimi, Ali Akbar Jamshidi, Qais Wakeli, Mohammad Rahim Hassanyar, Mohammad Alem Khalili and Madar Ali Karimi.
Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq was also present on the occasion.
Members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, academics, civil society, and former and current diplomats were also present.
Amina Khan, Director Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) who also works on Afghanistan gave welcome remarks.
During his address, Ustad Khalili said peace was a multidimensional phenomenon which had multifaceted effects in different dimensions of human social life and societies. He stated that, when we talk about peace, in addition to the political dimension, we must also consider its cultural, economic and social dimensions. He said we are living in an interconnected world with a vast network of global issues, where war and peace are no exception.
He went on to say that when a peace agreement upholds human rights’ values, such as women’s rights, minority rights, non-discrimination, and many other issues, all nations and peoples of the world are motivated to support it.
Conversely, if these global standards are not taken into account, such peace will not go anywhere and conflicts will continue.
In Afghanistan, the peace discourse has become a serious issue especially given that peace in Afghanistan is complex, multidimensional, with internal and international consequences.
Thus, the people of Afghanistan need cooperation and joint efforts from all countries, especially the region. Speaking about Pakistan’s role, he opined that the goal was to win Pakistan government’s support for a peace that can address regional issues and benefit all our international friends.
Such a matter requires a good and precise mechanism which responds well to all of Afghanistan’s domestic diversity as well as expectations of the international community. He appreciated the positive and constructive viewpoint of the Pakistani leadership and noted the visible support given during his visit.
