PESHAWAR: Awami National Party president Asfandyar Wali Khan has expressed his concern over harassment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.

In a statement issued from the party central secretariat here on Thursday, he said that victimisation of Afghan nationals would create mistrust between the people of the two countries and also put a negative impact on mutual relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He said that some elements were trying to escalate tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of recent clashes at Torkham border that resulted in the killing of officers and soldiers from the two sides.

He said that tension and misunderstanding were not in favour of the two countries and harassment of Afghan nationals would escalate tension in the region. He said that restoration of brotherly relations between the two neighbours was need of the hour, as tension would help anti-peace elements.

Mr Asfandyar said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government despite extension in the stay of refugees had failed to stop harassment of refugees in the province. He warned the KP government not to adopt policies that could create tension. He said that both the countries were capable of resolving their mutual disputes and issues through negotiations.-Bureau Report