Reaffirming its commitment to help Afghanistan achieve peace and development, Pakistan has told the UN Security Council that its cooperation with Kabul would get a boost when a democratic government takes office in Islamabad. Pakistan s ability to contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region will be enhanced following the recent fair and open elections in Pakistan and the assumption of office by a popularly elected government, Ambassador Munir Akram said in the course of a day-long debate on the situation in that strife-torn country, according to a message received in Islamabad. We hope this will lead to closer coordination and consensus on a strategy for success in Afghanistan and the region. Stating that their destinies were interlinked, Akram said Pakistan sought to strengthen close friendly relations with Afghanistan, based on reciprocity and mutual respect for each other s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan wanted peace and greater prosperity for both peoples, he said. Its cooperation with Afghanistan was multifaceted and characterized by dialogue and regular exchange of visits at the highest levels. Much of success vis- -vis Al-Qaeda and the Taliban had been the result of Pakistan s support and cooperation, including the exchange of intelligence through the Tripartite Commission, the ambassador said. He said Pakistan s deployment of more than 100,000 troops in the border regions was a crucial contribution in border control and counter-insurgency, and it had lost more than 1,000 military personnel in related operations. The ambassador said that safe and voluntary return of all remaining Afghan refugees, 2 million of which were still hosted by Pakistan, should also be accorded high priority. Akram welcomed the emphasis in the Secretary-General s report, which is before the Security Council, on increased assistance for creating conditions conducive to refugee returns. However, he did not agree with the observation that the fact that more than 80 per cent of the refugees had been in exile for more than 20 years could be a factor inhibiting their return. All refugees should return to their homeland, he added. Pakistan, he said, was also trying to foster participation and reconciliation through the Peace Jirga (tribal elders), whose next meeting would be held in Pakistan. About improvements in various spheres in Afghanistan, the ambassador said the key to success lay in pursuing a comprehensive approach, with emphasis on building Afghan capacity to assume greater control and ownership of security, governance and development issues. He said that the security situation in parts of Afghanistan was a common concern. Attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers were especially deplorable. The factors contributing to insecurity and instability were diverse, complex and often interrelated. Those also varied from region to region. --more
