ISLAMABAD -  US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday to hold talks with the political and military leadership of the country to discuss the Afghan peace process.
Khalilzad leads an inter-agency delegation which is also scheduled to visit Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Belgium, Turkmenistan, Russia, Qatar and the UAE between December 2 and 20.
According to a press release by the US State Department, “Special Representative Khalilzad will be in communication with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government and other Afghans.”
“He will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan, empowering the Afghan people to decide their nation’s fate,” the press release added.
On Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan received a letter from US President Donald Trump seeking Islamabad’s “assistance and facilitation in achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war”.
“President Trump has also acknowledged that the war had cost both USA and Pakistan,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“He has emphasized that Pakistan and USA should explore opportunities to work together and renew partnership.”
The ministry “welcomed” the US decision for negotiations, noting that “Pakistan has always advocated a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan”.
“Pakistan reiterates its commitment to play a facilitation role in good faith,” the FO statement read. “Peace and stability in Afghanistan remain a shared responsibility.”
The PM had also shared the development during a meeting with TV anchors and reporters in Islamabad on Monday.
PM Imran further revealed that Trump has asked for Pakistan’s help in “bringing the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table”.