Broad based govt in Afghanistan could bring peace,stability:
Pakistan Islamabad, Oct 15, IRNA - A special envoy of former Afghan King, Zahir Shah is in Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials about situation in Afghanistan and the efforts of the UN for promoting a broad based government in Kabul.

This was stated by Foreign Office spokesman Riaz Muhammad Khan in his daily briefing here Monday.

He said the special envoy Hedayat Amin Arsala is accompanied by two other political aides of the former King. The special envoy will hold talks with senior Pakistani officials and the Foreign Minister.

The spokesman pointed out that the UN Secretary General's special envoy has been working for quite sometime for the establishment of a broad based government in Afghanistan. These efforts were supplemented by the OIC and supported by Pakistan.

The spokesman said it has been the consistent position of Pakistan for a broad based government in Afghanistan that could bring peace and stability to that country. He said any attempt to impose any group will not help the situation in Afghanistan.

Replying to a question the spokesman categorically denied that Taliban are terrorists. He said Taliban continue to control very large part of Afghanistan and they maintain their embassy in Islamabad. He said even the United States has said that they will go for terrorists and Washington is still demanding of them to hand over Osama bin Laden.

In reply to another question, the spokesman said the discussions between the US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Pakistani leaders would focus on Afghanistan and Kashmir. He said with regard to Kashmir, the situation will be discussed from Pakistan's point of view on what is happening inside Kashmir and the need to address this source of tension in the region.

Asked whether the visit of Powell could help promote the process of dialogue between Pakistan and India, the spokesman said the situation has its dynamics and our friends and influential countries can certainly influence it. He said the United States had also expressed its desire for resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

He added the prolongation of operation in Afghanistan will be a source of concern to Pakistan.All aspects of Afghan situation as well as the present campaign will come under discussion with the US Secretary of State, he said.

The Pakistani official added his country has already expressed its grief over the loss of innocent lives and has noted the same from the United States.

He again emphasized that the targets in Afghanistan should be clearly focussed and there should be care to avoid any civilian casualties.

He told a questioner that Pakistan's cooperation with the United States would be within the three point framework of intelligence sharing, use of airspace and logistical support.

He said there are no combat troops in Pakistan and our soil will not be used for operations.