COAS said that the PM’s vision on the peace in the region is very clear and all stakeholders are on board
U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on September 14. He met with the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other senior Pakistani officials. Khalilzad thanked Pakistan for its role in advancing the Afghanistan peace process.
He especially appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan and the COAS for their pivotal role in the Afghan peace process. The U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo recently praised the Pakistani leadership for its role in bringing peace in its neighboring country. “The United States will never forget the solidarity of our many allies and partners who have stood with us in the long struggle to end this war,” he said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Bajwa discussed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s clear vision regarding peace and connectivity in the region.
“All elements of national power are united towards making that vision a reality to ensure long-awaited peace, progress, and prosperity in the region,” according to a press release from ISPR quoting the COAS.
Afghan peace talks underway
The peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban has begun in Qatar recently. Earlier on, the United States and Taliban held peace talks and were able to come to terms that were acceptable to both sides. In the current talks, there are some areas of concern for both sides. The Afghan government has an emphasis on maintaining the current style of government whereas the Taliban are looking for more of an IS like model. For the talks to be successful, both sides have to show flexibility and it has to be ensured that no armed conflict between the two sides will begin in the longer run. That is the only way long-lasting peace can be achieved.