Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the announcement regarding commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations on Saturday.

Khan said in a statement in Islamabad on Friday, “Finally, our collective efforts have brought forth the day that the Afghan people have been yearning for.”

He said, for more than 40 years, Afghans have suffered from continued conflict and bloodshed. Pakistan has endured the fall-out—reflected in the incidence of terrorism, loss of precious lives, and huge economic cost. He said that he had underlined for a long time that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that the only way forward was a negotiated political settlement.

Through relentless efforts, Pakistan has played a pivotal role in facilitating the Afghan peace process to this juncture. “We feel deeply gratified today as we have fulfilled our part of the responsibility,” he maintained. He said it was now for the Afghan leaders to seize this historic opportunity, work together constructively and secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.

“Successful culmination of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process is indispensable for Afghanistan and for regional peace, stability and prosperity,” he added. The prime minister said Pakistan will continue to remain in full support and solidarity with the Afghan people as they march forward in this journey for peace and development.