Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday pitched for a joint campaign against extremism with Pakistan and sought its cooperation to jumpstart the peace process with the Taliban in his war-torn country.
Arriving here on a day-long visit, Karzai, who has long accused Pakistan of playing a double game in the Afghan war, made his appeal in talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who promised to extend all possible assistance.
“We discussed in this regard primarily and with emphasis the issue of joint fight against extremism and reconciliation in Afghanistan with the expectation that the Government of Pakistan will facilitate and help in manners it can to the peace process in Afghanistan and providing opportunities on all platforms for talks between Afghan High Peace Council and the Taliban movement,” Karzai said.
The Afghan President said the primary concern for both countries is the lack of security for their citizens and the continuing menace of terrorism.
“It is this area that needs to have primary focussed attention by both countries. It is with hope on this that I have come to Pakistan and to advance efforts and action together so that we can have peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Karzai said addressing TV cameras.
Sharif on his part said his Government has assumed office with the resolve to create a peaceful external environment so that it can focus on Pakistan’s domestic priorities.
“Being in a cooperative and stable relationship with all our neighbours is a vital component of this vision. Our security and future prosperity is linked to Afghanistan in multiple ways. President Karzai is visiting at an important juncture in his country’s history,” Sharif said.
Ties between the two countries nosedived after Pakistan and the US supported a Taliban office that opened in Doha in June to foster talks. Karzai was infuriated by the opening of the Taliban office, considered a precursor towards talks with US officials. He now wants Pakistan to help open dialogue with the Taliban which has refused all contact with Kabul.
Afghanistan has often accused Pakistani elements of aiding the Afghan Taliban.Karzai was also upset over a reported statement in June by Pakistan’sNational Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz that Kabul should cede some Afghan provinces to the Taliban for lasting peace.