Hamid Karzai highlights Pak's role in achieving peace, criticises US' policy on Afghanistan

Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai has said that without Pakistan, peace would not be achieved in the country and has called to convene the constitutional Loya Jirga "to resolve the crisis the country is facing."

Karzai also stated that he had sent a letter to the Taliban asking them to "join the peace talks process as their war was killing the people and destroying their homes."

Criticising United States President Donald Trump's new war strategy, Karzai said, "The U.S.'s new war strategy did not carry a message of peace as Pakistan's role in the peace process was critical and without this, peace will be impossible in both Afghanistan and Pakistan."

"Pakistan has not been honest in its dealings with Afghanistan over the years and at times comes across as being an ally of the U.S. and at other times as an ally of Afghanistan," he added.

"We know we have a historical problem with Pakistan," TOLO News further quoted Karzai, as saying.

He added, "We still want good relations with Pakistan and we want very good relationships with other neighbouring countries.

"A Loya Jirga should be held as soon as possible and must include all stakeholders from politicians, to tribal elders, civil society activists, through to members of the public. The holding of a Loya Jirga is critical and it is extremely important for Afghanistan to project a united front and to resolve the crisis the country is facing," the former Afghan president said.

He, however, also underscored that he would not accept the Durand Line as the official border between the two countries.

"Both the U.S. and Pakistan have done exactly what they want in Afghanistan. I hope that Pakistan knows today that it cannot force Afghanistan (to reach their goals)," he added.

Karzai also condemned the Taliban for their actions in terms of killing civilians. He also called on the country to stand together in order to work towards strong cooperation and friendship with all foreign parties including the U.S., other countries and neighbouring states. 

-ANI