Pakistan chooses terror over dialogue: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani minced no words when he spoke on the issue of regional security and terrorism on his visit to India. Addressing a public gathering at the Vivekananda International Foundation, Ghani emphasised the need to engage as responsible regional and global stakeholders.

While referring to Pakistan he said, "Where we haven't had progress, despite trying, unfortunately is with Pakistan. We held the hand of peace and dialogue but unfortunately saw conflict."

He said that Pakistan needs to make a choice as state-sponsored terrorism is the biggest challenge to bring peace and stability in the region. "The distinction between good and bad terrorism is still haunting us", he



said.

On Tuesday, bilateral talks were held between the Afghan delegation led by Ghani and the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where both sides agreed that "renunciation of violence and terror; and closure of cross border safe havens and sanctuaries were essential for any meaningful progress and lasting peace."

In the press statement released by Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian side agreed to extend further assistance depending upon the needs of the Afghan defence and police forces.

"The Indian leadership reiterated its support for a negotiated political reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghan led, owned and controlled", the statement said.