24 January 2005	Monday	13 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 23: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz called Afghan President Hamid Karzai a couple of days before Eid and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a stable Afghanistan , and discussed with him ways of improving trade ties between the two countries, it is learnt.

Mr Aziz conveyed to the Afghan president that the interests of the two countries were inter linked and both were co-dependent, sources close to the prime minister told Dawn.

He particularly underlined the importance of the Joint Economic Commission and in that context pointed to need for consolidating the improvement in relations between the two countries, the sources said.

The two leaders also reviewed other aspects of the bilateral relationship and looked at ways of increasing trade between the two countries, the sources added.

In another significant development on the Pakistan-Afghanistan front Islamabad has reportedly agreed to return the Afghan planes sent to it for protection during the Afghan war.

The Afghan defence ministry spokesman was quoted early this month as saying that a total of 19 planes were dispatched to Pakistan while another seven were sent to Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, observers say despite strengthening of Karzai's hands, political instability continues in Afghanistan. Earlier, Mr Aziz had detailed telephone conversations with his counterparts from among the tsunami-hit countries, it is learnt. He assured the leaders that Pakistan would extend all possible help.