US appreciates Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process

ISLAMABAD – US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan General Austin Scott Miller called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday.

“Matters of mutual interest, regional security and ongoing Afghanistan Reconciliation Process were discussed during the meeting,” says a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate. According to Pakistan Army’s media wing, the visiting dignitary greatly appreciated Pakistan’s role in the ongoing peace process.  =Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Faiz Hameed, Special Assistant to PM on National Security Moeed Yusuf, and senior military and US officials also attended the meeting. 

The meeting between both sides took place at a crucial time when new US administration has proposed sweeping plans for interim power-sharing government between Afghan government and Taliban leaders to end long war in the neighbouring country, according to the reports published by first Afghan and then US media.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a letter written to the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah has presented a four-point strategy to the Afghan government to end the war, according to the letter published by an Afghan media outlet. He said that US was considering the full withdrawal of forces by May 1st “as we consider other options.” 

The letter that was shared by Khalilzad with both during his recent visit said that the Biden administration wanted to accelerate the peace efforts. The US Secretary of State showed concerns that after the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the security situation will worsen leading to “rapid territorial gains” by the Taliban. 

It said that although the Biden administration has yet to complete a review of the Doha deal, the US has reached an initial conclusion that “the best way to advance our shared interests is to do all we can to accelerate the peace talks and to bring all parties into compliance with their commitments”..

“We have prepared a revised proposal for 90-day reduction in violence, which is intended to prevent the spring offensive by the Taliban and to coincide with our diplomatic efforts to support a political settlement between the parties.” 

The letter also proposed a UN conference, attended by Iran among others, to reach a settlement to end the war. “We intend to ask the UN to convene foreign ministers and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India and the US to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan.” 

Meanwhile, US embassy issued a statement on the Visit of Ambassador Khalilzad to Pakistan here late Monday. 

“US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on March 8.  In a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and senior civilian officials, Ambassador Khalilzad stressed the need to accelerate progress towards a just and durable peace in Afghanistan. “

“In his discussions, Ambassador Khalilzad emphasized Pakistan’s continued important role in the peace process, especially to help Afghans achieve a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire,” according to the statement.  “He affirmed that the United States will continue to consult closely with our allies, partners, and countries in the region regarding how we can collectively support the peace process.”