Afghan Taliban agree for earliest resumption of the “Afghan Peace Process”

Afghan Taliban have agreed on the need for earliest resumption of the Afghan Peace Process.

The understanding came at a meeting today (Thursday) between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and a strong authorized Afghan Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar which had arrived in Islamabad yesterday.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment and continued strong support for all efforts  towards Afghan Peace Process.

Qureshi said Pakistan will continue to support all efforts to achieve permanent peace in Afghanistan, which is essential for Pakistan’s own socio-economic development and progress and the entire region.

It was emphasized that reduction of violence by all parties to the conflict is necessary to provide an enabling environment for resumption of the peace process at an early date.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the direct Taliban-US talks since last year, strongly and sincerely supported by Pakistan, have now laid a firm ground for achieving a sustainable peace deal in Afghanistan.

While appreciating Taliban’s serious engagement in the peace process, the Foreign Minister underscored the need to take these efforts to their logical conclusion.

Qureshi expressed the hope that the currently paused peace process would be resumed at an early date.

Qureshi said Pakistan has maintained for several years that there is no military solution to the complex situation in Afghanistan. An inclusive peace and reconciliation process, involving all sections of the Afghan society, is the only, practical way forward.

The Afghan Taliban delegation thanked Pakistan for the sincere efforts towards Afghan Peace Process and the warm hospitality at Islamabad.