Pak will work for resumption of Afghan peace talks: Sharif

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said Pakistan will persist its endeavour to help resume peace talks in Afghanistan but underlined that this will require cooperation from Kabul.
"Pakistan will persist in the endeavor to help resume the dialogue process and promote peace and stability in Afghanistan," Sharif said, addressing the UN General Assembly.
He, however, said that Pakistan can do so "only if we receive the required cooperation from the Afghan government. Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are in neither country's interests."
He said Pakistan-Afghan relations underwent a positive transformation after the advent of the National Unity Government in Kabul.

"In response to the request from the Afghan Government and with the support of the international community, Pakistan made strenuous efforts to facilitate the process of Afghan reconciliation. Dialogue did open between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, which was an unprecedented first," he said.
He, however, lamented that the dialogue process was stalled.

"But it was unfortunate that certain developments stalled the process. Thereafter, militant attacks intensified, which we unequivocally condemn," he said.
Sharif added that Pakistan is "encouraged" that the international community, including the major powers, desire continuation of the peace process in Afghanistan.
On the Iran nuclear agreement, Sharif welcomed the comprehensive nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the P-Five plus One.

"This shows what diplomatic engagement and multilateralism can achieve. It augurs well for the peace and security of our region and beyond," he said.