WASHINGTON: In an effort to defuse the diplomatic row between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the United States has reminded both that long-term relations between them are vital for regional peace.

At a Monday afternoon news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also underlined Pakistan’s key role in the Afghan peace process. “What I would say is... that Afghanistan’s neighbours do have a role to play,” said Mr Price when asked to comment on the current diplomatic row between Islamabad and Kabul that began with alleged abduction of the Afghan ambassador’s daughter in Islamabad.

“I would add that tangible and material support for the Afghanistan peace process — it’s vital for its ultimate success, as are the longer-term relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he added.

“We certainly do hope to see Afghanistan’s neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution here. And we understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this regard as well,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2021