Pakistan's stability depends on Afghanistan

Pakistan's own stability and prosperity is dependant on peace and security in neighbouring Afghanistan, Islamabad's ambassador to UN Masood Khan has said.

"This shared destiny drives our relationship with Kabul. We are endeavouring to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all spheres, including the economic, political, military and intelligence fields," Khan told the UN Security Council Thursday.

The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Khan as saying that Pakistan was facilitating the Afghan reconciliation process but progress was possible only if all stakeholders share the goals of the peace process.

"We need to pursue this goal together, with unity of purpose," the Pakistani envoy said.

Khan also regretted that the initiative of dialogue through the Taliban office in Doha had sputtered.

"But we must not lose hope. Dialogue is indispensable. The Afghan government, Taliban and other Afghan political forces must continue to explore ways to find a formula for Afghan reconciliation," he said.

He also said that productive engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan would reinforce connectivity and regional economic cooperation.

"We would continue to work on trade, energy and communication links through trans-national initiatives.

"In this context, communication, power and rail projects were extremely important," the APP quoted him as saying.