PESHAWAR, Oct 3: Senior Afghan citizen and former president of Shura-i-Tafahum Afghanistan Haji Hayatullah has expressed concern over the increasing political unrest in his country.

Talking to newsmen here on Thursday he said: “ The Afghan people,  irrespective of their ideological affiliation and ethnic identity, must realize their responsibilities and resolve differences that have plagued the country for long.”

Elaborating on his point of view he said that as a result of the prolonged confrontation, Afghan citizens had suffered too much.  

“Now, they must restore peace through national reconciliation,” he said.

Replying to a question he said, the infighting between warlords could  not resolve disputes.

The communal issues and disputes that had been contaminating the atmosphere in Afghanistan for the last 25 years could easily be resolved through political means, he observed.

In response to another question Mr Hayatullah maintained that foreign troops could not bring peace to the war-shattered country.

“Only Afghans could ensure a sustainable peace and stability in their motherland,” he added.

At this stage, he said, the UN could play a key role in creating unity and understanding among the Afghan people.

Criticizing the armed resistance being carried out by certain Afghan groups he said differences among warring factions had shattered the country.

While reaffirming his support to the central government in Kabul, Mr Hayatullah demanded that President Hamid Karzai should ensure the implementation of his government’s policies in the country.