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ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has warmly welcomed the ceasefire agreement signed between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar.
He described the agreement as a significant step towards lasting peace and stability in the region, said a press release issued here on Sunday.
Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan has always believed in peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual respect with its neighboring countries.
He emphasized that peace and stability are not only essential for Pakistan and Afghanistan but are a collective necessity for the entire region.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, he said that the country has paid a heavy price, losing over 90,000 precious lives. For over three decades, Pakistan has remained steadfast in its efforts to eliminate terrorism and promote regional peace.
Ayaz Sadiq said that by hosting over 4.5 million Afghan refugees, Pakistan has demonstrated an unmatched spirit of service and sacrifice, an enduring example of humanity and neighborly relations.
He reiterated that peace in Afghanistan is intrinsically linked to peace in Pakistan and any improvement in bilateral relations will serve the broader interest of regional stability.
Ayaz Sadiq described the ceasefire, achieved through the consensus of Pakistan’s political and military leadership, as a new beacon of hope for sustainable peace.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent stance in condemning all forms of terrorism and clarified that the country harbors no aggressive intentions towards any other state. However, he stressed that Pakistan will not tolerate any conspiratorial elements acting against its interests.
Speaker NA pointed out that Afghan soil has increasingly become a hub for anti-Pakistan activities, about which Pakistan has repeatedly alerted the Afghan leadership.
He stressed that the complete eradication of terrorism is vital for the development and prosperity of the entire region.
Ayaz Sadiq also welcomed the announcement of the second phase of negotiations scheduled to be held in Istanbul on October 25, emphasizing that dialogue remains the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.
He underscored the need to strengthen trust and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in order to jointly combat terrorism, promote people-to-people ties and enhance economic collaboration.
Expressing optimism about the future, Speaker NA said he hoped the current ceasefire would evolve into a long-term peace agreement, laying the foundation for a better future for the people of the region.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s Parliament will continue to play its full role in promoting peace, progress and stability across the region.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed sincere gratitude to the brotherly countries of Qatar, Türkiye, and other friendly nations for their constructive and positive role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement.
He expressed hope that such cooperation would usher in a new era of peace, mutual cooperation, and regional prosperity.
Paying tribute to the brave personnel of the Pakistan armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism, he lauded the professionalism and strength of the military, describing it as one of the finest in the world.
He said that the Pakistan armed forces are fully capable of responding decisively to any external aggression.
The Speaker also acknowledged the patience and restraint shown by Pakistan’s military in the face of cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil, an example of military professionalism and maturity.
Ayaz Sadiq said that the matchless sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism will never be forgotten and the entire nation stands united with its armed forces in this critical struggle.