August 15, 2007	Wednesday	Sha’aban 1, 1428

QUETTA, Aug 14: Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani has said that the jirga in Kabul has decided to hold talks with the warring factions after realising that the military solution alone could not bring peace to the war-torn country.

Talking to journalists after attending a ceremony held to award medals to police personnel in connection with Independence Day celebrations here on Tuesday, he said the Pakistan-Afghanistan jirga would help in resolving the longstanding Afghan crisis.

He said it would bring peace and tranquillity not only to Pakistan but also to the region. “Adopting a political strategy and starting process of dialogue is vital for restoring peace and normalcy in Afghanistan.”

The governor said that due to crisis in Afghanistan, Pakistan had become a direct victim of religious extremism, suicide attacks, bombing, violence and drug-trafficking. “Pakistan also faced financial problems for sheltering over three million Afghan refugees for 25 years.”

He said Pakistan’s stand was that options other than military solution should be adopted. Pakistan also suggested that the process of negotiation should be started with the opposition groups. However, he said, the Afghan government and other quarters levelled various allegations against Pakistan for suggesting such a move.

The governor said: “An agreement to push for reconciliation with Taliban and other opposition groups was a big success of the jirga.”

He said that another 50-member jirga having representation from Pakistan and Afghanistan would mediate with the opposition groups in Afghanistan. “The real challenge is how to bring all factions at the negotiation table,” he said and expressed the hope that this jirga would succeed in its efforts.

The governor denied that Pakistan was supporting terrorists in Afghanistan. “Pakistan is not supporting any party or group in Afghanistan. We only said that without starting negotiation process, peace could not be restored in that country.”