Pakistan condemns spike in violence in Afghanistan

Pakistan on Thursday condemned the ongoing violence in neighboring Afghanistan and reiterated support for the peace process.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tasnim Aslam made the statement in replying to a question about the Taliban offensive in northern Kunduz province after they launched their spring offensive.

Reports suggest that hundreds of Taliban fighters have mounted pressure on Imam Sahib, the provincial capital of Kuduz.

"We have already condemned the recent spike in violence in Afghanistan. We support the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, " the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at her weekly briefing.

She said Pakistan has embarked on a very comprehensive, large and ambitious economic agenda and projects that would also help neighbors.

"We hope the projects would change the outlook of this region, increasing connectivity. This is sometimes called a game changer. We can benefit more if our neighborhood, particularly Afghanistan is peaceful. We have vested interest in peace and stability in Afghanistan."

She said Pakistan would continue to support the reconciliation effort, as if Afghanistan is stable and peaceful there is peace and stability in the bordering regions.

On Thursday Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, met Pakistan's top Adviser on National Security, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, and reviewed current developments in Afghanistan in the political and security realms and exchanged views on the ongoing regional and international efforts for Afghanistan's stability.

Mr. Haysom said that UNAMA would continue to engage with the Afghan government and its regional and international partners for coordinating international civilian efforts in assisting Afghanistan, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

He concurred that intra-Afghan peace dialogue would require strong regional backing, and appreciated Pakistan's role in this context.

Mr. Sartaj Aziz emphasized the need for continuous international engagement with Afghanistan to help the country address its fiscal challenges. Endi