Khalizad calls on PM Imran to discuss Afghan peace process
Prime Minister reiterated Pakistans commitment to remain engaged in the peace process.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to remain engaged with the U.S. and other stakeholders in facilitating the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Recalling his recent interaction with President Donald Trump in Washington, the Prime Minister emphasized that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan as well as of the broader region. The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction at the evolving international consensus and interest in fully supporting efforts to achieve long term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister underscored the need for inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations to evolve a road map for future of Afghanistan.
In the context of his recent visit to the United States, the Prime Minister underlined the importance that Pakistan attaches to a broad-based and enduring relationship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister stressed that the opportunities for an expanded bilateral economic relationship must be optimally utilized.
Earlier, Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on an important visit to brief Pakistani leadership about the progress with the Taliban.
US peace envoy went to the Foreign Ministry shortly after landing in Islamabad where he met the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
According to the sources, Zalmay Khalilzad will inform the Pakistani leadership about the progress made so far with the Afghan Taliban. During his visit, future affairs of Afghan reconciliation process will also be consulted.
According to diplomatic sources, the US and the Afghan Taliban will also consider issues related to the possible deal. The US will also discuss the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.
Zalmay Khalilzad will leave for Qatar after completing his visit to Pakistan.
