Islamabad: US special representative for Afghan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is in Islamabad to seek Pakistan military’s support towards a political solution to the ongoing unrest in Afghanistan.
Khalilzad, who landed in the capital on Nov 2, met Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi where detailed discussion on the “regional security situation and Afghan peace process” was discussed.
“Regional security situation and Afghan peace process — with particular reference to border management — as well as a way forward for a lasting peace in Afghanistan were discussed during the meeting,” stated the official press release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR maintained that Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the peace through dialogue process forward. While the ISPR press release did not share more details into the meeting, analysts say that the increase in short visits of Khalilzad to Pakistan are aimed at seeking help in persuading the Taliban for a ceasefire in Afghanistan.
“The flurry of visits by the top US diplomat is part of efforts to convince the Taliban for a ceasefire of at least reduction in violence,” stated Kamran Yousaf, a senior analyst.
However, the Taliban till now have refrained from agreeing to announce the ceasefire, maintaining that it would be part of the overall agreement that may be reached through the intra-Afghan dialogue, which are currently going on in Doha.
Even though Intra-Afghan dialogue is in process, terror attacks and loss of innocent lives have continued unabated in Afghanistan.
