-Khalilzad says US acknowledged Pakistani efforts in supporting peace in
Afghanistan
-Army Chief reassures US envoy to continue efforts for regional peace
ISLAMABAD: U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has on Monday called on Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed regional security among other matters of bilateral interest.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Afghan peace process was also amongst the agenda of meeting between the two leaders leading from the front the peace process while collaborative efforts on various bilateral levels was deliberated over at length.
ISPR said Khalilzad acknowledged Pakistani efforts in promoting peace in Afghanistan as both expressed their pledge for peace and stability across the borders and agreed to maintain an exchange for that end.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan would continue to back efforts for regional peace and stability.
Ambassador Khalilzad’s latest visit is taking place at a time when the Afghan gover¬nment and Afghan Taliban’s negotiation teams announ¬ced next round of dialogue in Qatar starting from today (January 5). The two sides are currently negotiating the agenda for the intra-Afghan dialogue after reaching an agreement on Dec 2 on the rules and procedures governing the future talks. The break and the accompanying uncertainty are a cause of worry for the US.
Earlier on December 14, Amb Khalilzad, after his arrival in Islamabad, tweeted: “Tragically, the war continues. The need for a political settlement, reduction in violence, and a ceasefire remain urgent.”
“Given how much is at stake, it is imperative that there is no delays in resumption of talks and they must resume on Jan 5 as agreed,” he said in another tweet. Pakistan this year not only helped the US and Taliban sign their agreement, but also facilitated the start of intra-Afghan negotiations and more lately the agreement on rules and procedures for the dialogue.
Prime Minister Imran Khan during his last visit to Kabul had assured the Afghan leadership of his full cooperation for reduction in violence in Afghanistan. He had assured President Ashraf Ghani “we will do whatever is within our reach”. According to Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, matters of mutual interest including overall regional security situation with particular reference to ongoing Afghan reconciliation process were discussed during the meeting at GHQ between Gen Bajwa and the US delegation.
“COAS appreciated role of RSM for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured that Pakistan will continue to play its positive role for peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR said. “Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s untiring efforts for facilitating the process towards the mutual objective of peace in the region,” it added.–ISPR
