RAWALPINDI: The President and Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mr Mohammad Daud and Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto tonight [Aug 21] expressed the hope that the atmosphere of goodwill created by their talks in Kabul last June would continue leading to a settlement between the two brotherly countries. They were speaking at a return banquet hosted by the Afghan President in honour of Prime Minister Bhutto. President Daud, speaking first, hoped that the “favourable” atmosphere would continue and that the two countries would “one day” arrive at a “reasonable and honourable” settlement. “We will try our best to solve our problems,” the Afghan leader said.

Replying, [PM Bhutto] stressed that Pakistan would maintain and promote the atmosphere of goodwill and sincerity... . [He] said there can never be enmity between the Pakistani and Afghan peoples, whatever at times be the nature of Pak-Afghan relations. [He] said there was overwhelming desire among the people of both countries to reach a settlement that would open up new vistas for them... . [He] said his side would endeavour to maintain … the atmosphere of sincerity … that had marked talks … in Kabul... .

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2026