ISLAMABAD: After a gap of years, some high profile stakeholders of Afghanistan, will be part of a moot to be held in picturesque hill resort Bhurban near Islamabad.
Afghan heavyweights like Gulbadeen Hikmatyar, Ustad Atta Noor, Khalili sitting head of High Peace Council (HPC), Mohaqiq and representatives of Uzbek leader General Rasheed Dostum will be in Pakistan to take part this dialogue tagged Lahore process.
Lahore Center for Peace and Research (LCPR) has initiated this dialogue. It will be the first conference of the new initiative in which 57 delegates representing 18 groups and political parties, including Senators and MNAs from Pakistan will be taking part.
LCPR said views on security perspective from the Afghan perspective purely from the academic point will help give feed to respective governments for future engagements at multiple levels. It will help build perceptions and trust.
According to LCPR, the newly launched process will not replicate Moscow process, but future participation of the Taliban cannot be ruled out.
The forum will also provide a platform to discuss connectivity, trade, eco, business, health, and other issues. Develop understanding and provide a way forward.
Important issues of refugees who are 10 percent of the Afghanistan population and are also important stakeholders and are being represented. These refugees are staying in Pak for the past 40 years. The forum is also likely to exchange ideas for their peaceful and honorable return to their homeland.
This forum is happening before President Ashraf Ghani’s visit schedule on 27th June. Some political advisors to the Afghan President will already be part of the process.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will give a welcome speech setting a course for discussion and minister Safron will be giving closing remarks.
Former ambassadors think tanks, analysts, media anchors, researchers, refugee representatives, scholars will be attending the event. It will provide an opportunity to listen to Afghan leaders viewpoint and take questions. The conference will have three sessions with 5-6 Afghan delegates given an opportunity to speak.
President Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi will host dinner for delegates. LCPR delegates will also call on Prime Minister Imran Khan.
