ISLAMABAD: The natio­nal security advisers of Pak­istan and Afghanistan have agreed that peace is their common goal and the biggest need of the hour which can be achieved through firm and sincere implementation of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

The two sides reached the consensus at a meeting held at Prime Minister Office here on Sunday. The Afghan delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mohammad Hanif Atmar comprised Interior Minister Wais Barmak, National Dire­ctorate of Security (NDS) chief Masum Stanekzai and Ambassador to Pakistan Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal.

According to an official statement, the two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation as well as the regional security situation. The focus of the discussion was on timely and effective implementation of the recently agreed APAPPS.

Welcoming the Afghan delegation, NSA retired Lt Gen Nasser Khan Janjua reiterated Pakistan’s commitment and unwavering resolve to broaden and further strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Afghanistan in all spheres of mutual interest, including political, diplomatic, military, intelligence, regional connectivity, economic, trade, cultural and people-to-people contact.

According to the statement, both sides deliberated on all issues and challenges faced by the two countries. Rising beyond the differences of past, it was greatly realised that both sides had the same warmth and affection for each other and expressed the common hope of a shared future.

The discussion with mutual respect for each other made it very evident that both countries had every reason to come close and work with each other in a cooperative framework to carve a secure future. They were of the view that the APAPPS had the potential to bridge the gaps of past and make the bridges for future.

Interestingly, the official handout had no mention of the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite the fact that the move was strongly criticised by the Afghan government.

A statement issued by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s office said: “The decision [to merge Fata with KP] was against the 1921 agreement between the British India and Afghanistan.”

It said Pakistani parliament had taken the decision at a time when the “military was governing” the areas. “Every decision about the tribal regions should be made in normal situation and in accordance with the consensus of the tribal people,” it added.

On Saturday, the Foreign Office issued a statement rejecting the criticism by Kabul of the merger of the tribal areas with KP.

“Our parliament’s decision reflects the will of the people of Pakistan. The principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the conduct of bilateral relations need be scrupulously adhered to by Afghanistan,” it stated.

However, Afghan NSA Atmar earlier tweeted that both sides would have a detailed discussion on peace, counterterrorism and regional issues.

In another Tweet, he said: “To recap, during the official visit of PM Mr. Abasi, the two sides agreed on 7 principles of the (APAPPS) the Action Plan for which was discussed during the recent visit of Afg Delegation to Pak. As a follow-up this Security Delegation will discuss the implementation of the APAPPS.”

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2018