Afghan president, politicians discuss peace process

Published March 31, 2019
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday hosted key political figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, in order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, an official statement said. — Photo courtesy Ashraf Ghani Twitter
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday hosted key political figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, in order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, an official statement said. — Photo courtesy Ashraf Ghani Twitter

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday hosted key political figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, in order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, an official statement said.

This came as the top US peace negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, is set to visit the war-ravaged country for yet another round of shuttle diplomacy for truce.

According to a statement issued by the presidency, Ghani hosted his power-sharing CEO Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai and former mujahideen commander Abdul Rab Rasul Sayaf and chairman of the High Peace Council Mohammad Karim Khalili.

"The named personalities shared their suggestions for better representation of [all] segments of the society in line with the recent realities and developments for the peace process," the statement said, adding the exchange of views is aimed at streamlining multiple efforts into a unified stance of consultations for peace.

In the past couple of months, the Taliban held multiple rounds of talks with the US representatives and a selective group of Afghan politicians, including Karzai, in Russia and Qatar.

However, the insurgents continue to refuse meeting Afghan government officials.

"In order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, I will continue the consultation with other politicians and representatives of all walks of life with earnest," President Ghani said in a Twitter post after the meeting.

The US and the Taliban publicly announced to have reached an agreement in principle over the ultimate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Opinion

Editorial

System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....
Time to deliver
Updated 11 Nov, 2024

Time to deliver

Pakistan must display a serious commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation at home.
Smaller government
11 Nov, 2024

Smaller government

THE IMF bailout programme has put the government under pressure to curtail its spending, especially current...
Unsafe inheritance
11 Nov, 2024

Unsafe inheritance

DESPITE regulations, the troubling practice of robbing women of their rightful inheritance — the culprits are ...