ISLAMABAD - Renowned Pakistani politician and religious leader Mullana Fazal Rahman has urged the Afghan Taliban to hold direct talks with the Afghan government to bring an end to the 17-year-old conflict in the war-ravaged country.
Talking to the Voice of America, Fazal Rahman, said that talks between the Taliban and Afghan government were vital for domestic stability and smooth political environment.
The Head of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI) said that the Taliban held a stance for talking with the US and it was the ouster of their regime by the US and its allies back in 2001 for which they had been talking with the US.
He, however, stressed that there was a government functioning in Kabul and talks with them was also necessary for internal stability and future political stability.
When asked about the Pakistan role in term of the Afghan peace negotiation process, he said without Islamabad role it would be difficult that any talks would yield results.
Fazal Rahman refused to comment over the legitimacy of the Taliban armed struggles saying the time was critical and such commentary would not have positive impact.
Earlier, he supported the Taliban’s armed struggles in Afghanistan saying that their legitimate government was ousted by the US and they had all the rights to launch armed struggles against foreign forces and the US backed government in Kabul. (Pajhwok)