By The SATimes News Service
Islamabad: US special representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on September 14 to pave the way forward in the Afghan peace process.
Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan’s “sincere and unconditional support” for Afghan peace, adding that the peace process would not have been possible without Islamabad’s support.
“All elements of national power are united towards making that vision a reality to ensure long-awaited peace, progress, and prosperity in the region”, stated an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release quoting the Pakistan Army Chief.
Interestingly, Khalilzad did not meet Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan or Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and only had a meeting with the Pakistan Army Chief and Ambassador Sadiq.
It is believed that the quick trip of Khalilzad to Pakistan is to seek Islamabad’s help to press the Taliban and compel them to announce a long-term ceasefire during the first round of talks in Doha.
The Afghan government has been asking for a long-term ceasefire to the Taliban and has kept this point on top of its agenda during the ongoing talks in Doha.
However, the Taliban have not yet announced a truce as they came to the negotiating table.
