ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan aim at resolving their “political differences”, on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence, a joint communique issued … in Kabul and Islamabad said today [June 11], on the conclusion of Prime Minister Bhutto’s five-day visit to Afghanistan. It said [PM] Bhutto and President Mohammad Daud had “frank and useful discussions” in order to solve these differences. The two sides have agreed to refrain from hostile propaganda against each other. … The … communique also said that [PM] Bhutto had extended a cordial invitation to President Daud to pay an official visit to Pakistan, which he accepted with pleasure. The date would be fixed through diplomatic channels in the … future. Official sources described the … communique as “a significant step in the direction of peace and friendship. …”

It was also confirmed that … President Daud repeatedly emphasised that Afghanistan had no territorial ambitions against Pakistan and that Kabul did not wish to see further disintegration of Pakistan. Sources said that the communique clearly lays down that … differences … would be resolved only throu­­gh peaceful means.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026