President Zardari stresses on Pak-Afghan border management

RADIO PAKISTAN

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said that creation of enabling environment to facilitate trade and business activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan is of paramount importance for ensuring lasting peace in the region. The President made these remarks at the conclusion of 3rd Trilateral Summit between Pakistan‚ Afghanistan and United Kingdom held here in the outskirts of London. The President called for putting in place effective border control management system on both sides at formal border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan.The President said that any future Afghan plan must by definition include a roadmap for the early return of Afghan refugees to their homeland and adoption of effective measures for border management to address cross-border criminal activities. President Asif Ali Zardari while terming contribution of trilateral process as highly valuable said that it has made a good progress in a very short span of time and assured the participants of the summit that Pakistan would continue to play its due role in Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process. The President while reiterating Pakistan's commitment for a long term peace and stability in Afghanistan added that it is important to have realistic expectations from Pakistan and called for matching initiatives from Afghan Government and international partners to create the right mix for a real breakthrough. The President said that early conclusion of the proposed Strategic Partnership Agreement with Afghan Government would be a major step forward as it would send a clear signal that they are ready to work together for mutual interests. The President while highlighting the importance of Doha Process with Afghan Government underlined the need for bringing all Afghan stakeholders on board to obtain clarity and quality to talks. The President said that Pakistan is working on the Afghan roadmap for the peace process to the extent feasible and has started implementing specific requests made by the High Peace Council (HPC) which include release of Taliban detainees. The President thanked Prime Minister David Cameron for hosting the Summit and for extending warm hospitality to him and the members of his delegation.