Photo Credit:Umar John/NEXT TV
Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald Trump are working on the same page in efforts towards Afghan peace, Islamabad’s new ambassador to the U.S. Asad Majeed Khan said as Pakistan and the United States sound positive on restoring ties after years of differences.
“Both President Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan share the desire for achieving peace in Afghanistan,” Ambassador Khan speaking at a reception hosted by Sajid Tarar, a prominent Pakistani-American and an aide to President Trump.
The new envoy, who previously served as acting ambassador of his country in D.C., add to growing optimism about the two allies’ commitment to concluding the 18-year-old conflict in Afghanistan through reconciliation and peace process involving Afghan Taliban.
As the two countries work closely after years of publicly expressed differences on the path to peace and stability in Afghanistan, President Trump, who wants to end the longest American war in Afghanistan and bring American troops back home, has also said the two countries have now a “much better” relationship.
“After a difficult period, today both countries have a common interest in securing peace and stability in Afghanistan. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan are on the same page today in their desire to achieve peace in Afghanistan” Ambassador Khan said.
Ambassador Khan sounded upbeat about a meeting between PM Khan and President Trump. However, he did not confirm where that meeting would took place.
The United States, he said, is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a key export destination.
“We definitely want to enhance these ties.”
Khan also touched on the South Asian tensions since Pulwama attack in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir territory in his remarks, reiterating that Islamabad stands for a peaceful neighborhood and having good relations with India.
“The decision to open the Kartarpura Corridor (a holy place in Sikhism) was taken in this spirit. It was unfortunate that India used the Pulwama attack to create war frenzy and increase tensions in the region. Pakistan has offered to investigate any evidence that will be shared and to engage in dialogue with Indi,” the diplomat said at the event attended by some leading members of the Sikh community in Washington metro area.
The American Sikh leaders welcomed Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan and thanked the Government of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpura corridor, describing Pakistan as a holy place for them. .
The seasoned diplomat vowed to work with the vibrant Pakistani-American community and expressed appreciation for their contributions toward building better relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Khan acknowledged the contributions of Sajid Tarar, a member of Republican Party and head of the American Muslim Coalition. While welcoming the ambassador, Tarar praised the experience of Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, and expressed support for efforts to cement the U.S.-Pakistan relationship.
