Had US accepted Pakistan plea it would not have fought war in Afghanistan for 29 years: Maleeha Lodhi.

KARACHI -- Pakistan former ambassador to UN, Dr Maleeha Lodhi has said had US accepted Pakistan plea then it would not have fought war in Afghanistan for 29 years.

Talking to a private TV channel she said we had never been so close to peace accord in the prolonged war in Afghanistan as we are now . However it has yet to be agreed by both sides on the points that US wants to keep its forces how much in Afghanistan , Afghanistan will not be used in war against any one in future and matter of ceasefire.

She went on to say US and Afghanistan are key stakeholders and these two countries have to do what has to be done while Pakistan can help only.

Maleeha Lodhi said Pakistan past influences its relations with US. Our foreign policy should incorporate our people will too that what they want and for this purpose it is incumbent on our policy makers that they should listen to people voice.

She held every relationship thrives in a specific milieu and now the environment remains no more like the past.

She observed ' no country can go ahead alone. Taking alongside China and US simultaneously is difficult, therefore, problems will remain there on diplomatic front in future.

She noted ' if US and Talibans reach no agreement then all including Pakistan will suffer. But most probably solution to the problems will be found.

The former ambassador said key to Afghan issue lies in dialogue rather than war. Had US accepted Pakistan plea it would not have fought the longest war of the history.

Representing Pakistan in UN and raising...