The U.S. special representative admired Pakistan’s role in maintaining regional peace
US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ in Rawalpindi. The two discussed the peace process in Afghanistan as well as border management. Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional peace.
“The regional security situation, the Afghan peace process, with particular reference to border management, and the way forward for lasting peace in Afghanistan were discussed during the meeting,” according to a report from Radio Pakistan.
Last month, Khalilzad had warned that “distressingly high” levels of violence in Afghanistan could derail ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. “Unfounded charges of violations and inflammatory rhetoric do not advance peace,” he said. “Instead, we should pursue strict adherence to all articles of the US-Taliban agreement and US-Afghanistan joint declaration and not neglect the commitment to gradually reduce violence.”
Afghan peace deal facing issues
The United States earlier in the year inked a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan has played an active role in keeping the sides on the negotiations table. The Afghan government is also holding talks with the former regime to bring peace to the country. However, recently there has been violence and both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement. This can lead to further instability in Afghanistan and can further slow down the process of U.S. forces exit from the country. Both sides need to uphold their end of the agreement to ensure a peaceful and brighter future for the war-torn country.