'Trust deficit between Pakistan, neighbours over policy of violence'

NEW YORK: There is a "trust deficit" between Pakistan and its neighbours over the country's "policy of using violence in pursuit of political objectives", Afghanistan's top envoy here has said as he sought an end to the "unfortunate" Indo-Pak tension.

Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, who is the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United Nations Security Council, said: "There is a trust deficit which has been developing for a long period of time between Pakistan and its neighbours.

"I guess we need to ask ourselves what motivates certain circles within Pakistan who could tolerate the policy of violence in pursuit of political objectives and we need to find an answer for that. The answer of that has a lot to do with the people of Pakistan, with our own region, naturally there is tension in the region."

He added that within Pakistan, there is also tension between the military forces and the civilian government.

"The unfortunate tension which has been going for a long period of time between Pakistan and India ultimately must come to an end," he said.

"And we must find a solution for it. And those circles who do not see their see their interest in a peaceful settlement, they are the ones to talk to. And ultimately, they have to be convinced that the peace of Pak-India and peace of Afghanistan and the peace of the region is the peace of the people of Pakistan," he added.