ISLAMABAD: US Spe­cial Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation in Afgha­nistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday held talks with Pakistani officials on renewed efforts for reviving the peace process with Afghan Taliban.

Mr Khalilzad, who recently assumed this role, met Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and held delegation-level talks with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. Foreign Office spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal said that at the formal talks the two delegations comprised “security, defe­nce and diplomatic officials”.

Pakistan’s support for a peace initiative in Afgha­nistan is considered critical. Islamabad, notwithstanding the US and Afghan allegations of backing the Taliban, has consistently encouraged peace efforts.

The same assurances were extended to Mr Khalilzad during his meetings in Islamabad despite Pakistan government’s reservations over his appointment that was flaunted by the United States as an indication of its desire to make a fresh effort for ending the escalating conflict.

“FM reiterated Pakistan’s efforts for achieving peace in Afghanistan,” the FO spokesman said.

There were, however, no formal statements by either the FO or US Embassy in Islamabad on the US envoy’s meetings.

Before reaching Islamabad, the US envoy visited Kabul, where he met Afghan political leaders and civil society members and called upon them to cooperate for ending the conflict and urged the Afghan government to constitute a team of “inclusive and authorised representatives” for peace process. He also asked the Taliban to nominate authorised team of negotiators.

From Pakistan, Mr Khalilzad would head towards the Middle East and then visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

His 10-day trip to Afghanistan and countries that can potentially contribute to the peace process has coincided with the 17th anniversary of the Afghan war. His visit also precedes Oct 20 parliamentary elections in Afghanistan, which the Taliban have vowed to disrupt.

It is speculated that Mr Khalilzad could during his stay in Qatar meet representatives of the Taliban who are keeping a political office there.

The Taliban have long demanded direct talks with the United States and had few months back met with US diplomat Alice Wells.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2018