PEACE in Afghanistan can only be restored with coordinated efforts by all stakeholders and neighbours, but … it is necessary that the main role in decision-making will be done by its own government. Any intervention from any other country will be tantamount to [breaching] its sovereignty…. There is no doubt that any kind of foreign intervention in the country will be against the best interests of its people. And that is why Pakistan is of the strong opinion that Afghanistan has the right to take decisions on its own regarding any future plan.

Peace in Afghanistan is not only necessary for Pakistan but also for [other] neighbouring states [in fact] for the entire world. Being a close neighbour, Pakistan’s role is always considered to be very significant in the region and that is why a high-level delegation from Afghanistan … led by Salahuddin Rabbani, in meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, the chief of army staff, other government officials and politicians, discussed all regional issues and stressed the need for cementing mutual communication.

The delegation described Pakistan’s role as very important for the betterment of Afghanistan. The Pakistan government has assured full cooperation in resolving issues, under the leadership of Afghanistan. All analysts are of the view that peace in Afghanistan is the basic need of the hour which will have a better impact on all neighbouring countries. Stakeholders consider Afghanistan to be the heart of South Asia and in case of any problem in Afghanistan the entire region will be made to suffer … peace in Afghanistan will benefit other neighbouring countries where trade activities will get a boost and the communication gap will be plugged.

No doubt, Pakistan can play a significant role in the region but the ground realities are that Pakistan and Afghanistan alone cannot solve the burning issues … in the prevailing situation the role of the United States is very important…. — (Dec 17)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha.