President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has again asked the Taliban to prepare for intra-Afghan peace dialogue, saying Afghans would not transfer the ownership of peace to strangers.

A statement from the Presidential Palace received by Pajhwok Afghan News said that the president expressed the view during a meeting with Ulema, elders and tribal people of Paktika province.

The elders and tribal people of Paktika tabled some of the issues ranging from deforestation, insecurity on highways, interference and ensuring transparency in elections and asked the president to address all these issues.

They also asked the president for the rehabilitation of highways, construction of dams, implementation of master plan for Urugon district, appointment of qualified persons in government posts, attention of government to Ulema and religious studies and promotion of Paktika from second grade to first grade province.

The president while thanking Ulema in the fatwa from the defence of the country and peace said: “Finally, as a result of this fatwa the ulema announced their unanimous decision regarding ceasefire which determined our national unity.”

Ghani termed Paktika, the land of unity, integrity and honour and told the elders: “I proud of you because you have protected all our values.”

He asked the people of Paktika to send their sons and brothers to the military ranks and encouraged them.

“We want peace with Pakistan, and Islamabad should know that a peaceful Afghanistan is in their interest,” he said.

The president hailed the participation of people in elections and added both commissions were committed to ensure transparency and protect the public vote.