Contacts to bring closer relations between Pak, Afghan, says Jamali
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Greater people to people contact between Pakistan and Afghanistan would not only help forge closer relations and understanding between the two countries but also lead to bringing the bilateral ties on a closer plank.
This was observed in a meeting held between Sibghatullah Mujaddedi, Chairman Senate of Afghanistan and Acting Chairman Senate, Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali held in his office at Parliament House here on Friday. The two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest particularly enhancing cooperation in various fields and return of peaceful conditions to Afghanistan.
The Acting Chairman Senate assured that the people of Afghanistan occupied a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis and they are always willing to make efforts for their progress and prosperity.
The Acting Chairman Senate extended an invitation to Afghan Senate Chairman to visit Pakistan at the head of a Parliamentary delegation as frequent Parliamentary exchanges between the two countries would pave the way for creating better understanding among the people. There was a general consensus that unity of Ummah was the need of the hour and all out efforts should be made in this regard.
The Chairman Senate Afghanistan informed the Acting Chairman Senate Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali that Pakistan Afghanistan relations are based upon mutually shared values and hoped that these would go from strength to strength in the days to come. He emphasized the need to explore new avenues of enhancing cooperation in various fields, particularly economic and trade and commerce.
It was also observed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the region. The two countries have mutuality of perceptions on many regional and international issues. The Afghan delegation commended Pakistan’s role in the global war on terror and the efforts it has made to bring peace and stability to the region.
The Acting Chairman Senate also apprised the Afghan delegation of the working of the Upper House of the Parliament and its role and functions. Later, the delegation went round the building and visited its various sections and premises. Speaker National Assembly Ch. Amir Hussain received the Afghani leader outside the N .A Hall. He told the Afghan Senate Chief that the National Assembly has completed its five year tenure for the first time in the history of Pakistan. He further told him that he had the unique honour of winning the Parliamentary elections for five terms. Later, Sibghat Ullah Mujaddadi led Juma prayer in the Parliament House mosque.