India’s coronavirus cases jump, transmission rate increases

India’s coronavirus cases jump, transmission rate increases

PESHAWAR: Afghanistan's newly appointed special envoy for Pakistan has had put "mending political relations“ between the two estranged nations as one of his top priorities.

Mohammed Umer Daudzai, on Tuesday said that his primary focus would be to ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan and maintain strong ties with Pakistan, especially after Islamabad's key role in the Afghan peace process earlier this year.

In an exclusive interview, the diplomat told Arab News: "Two areas have been identified to focus on with renewed vigor, such as lasting peace in Afghanistan and cementing Pak-Afghan bilateral ties in economic, social, political and other areas.“

In order to achieve these aims, he said, efforts would be intensified "to mend political relations“ between the neighboring countries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,600-kilometer porous border and have been at odds for years. Bonds between them have been particularly strained due to a deep mistrust and allegations of cross-border infiltration by militants.

Kabul has blamed Islamabad for harboring Taliban leaders after they were ousted from power in 2001. But Pakistan has denied the allegations and, instead, accused Kabul of providing refuge to anti-Pakistan militants - a claim rejected by Afghanistan.

Daudzai said his immediate priority would be to focus on "political reconciliation“ between the two countries,