US seeks Pak, Afghan guarantees of no cross border threats

Khalilzad says such assurances will allow for increased regional economic integration

ISLAMABAD: The United States is seeking firm guarantees both from Afghanistan and Pakistan that “neither side’s territory is used to threaten the other’s” in what is seen as a crucial aspect of a possible Afghan peace deal.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have often blamed each other for harbouring militant groups involved in cross border attacks, something that undermined bilateral relationship between the two neighbours.

The issue has been one of the talking points the US is currently having with Pakistan and Afghanistan on the Afghan endgame.

This was now confirmed by Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, in a statement issued here on Friday by the US Embassy.

Khalilzad wrapped up his latest trip to Islamabad where he held talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and also separately met Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Before departing for Doha on Friday, Khalilzad interacted with Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

“As Ambassador Khalilzad discussed in Afghanistan and Pakistan, consolidating peace will require reliable assurances from Afghanistan and Pakistan that neither side's territory is used to threaten the other's,” according to the US embassy handout.

“Such assurances on top of an intra-Afghan comprehensive peace agreement will allow for increased regional economic integration, connectivity, and development,” the statement quoted Khalilzad as saying.

The statement also noted that in his meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Chief of Army Staff General Javed Bajwa, Khalilzad outlined the positive momentum in the Afghan peace process and next steps.

They also discussed the role Pakistan has played in support of the process and additional positive steps Pakistan can take.

In a separate statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Khalilzad called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in continuation of ongoing discussions and efforts for success of peace process in Afghanistan.

Both shared the steps taken in this regard and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals. Khalilzad appreciated Pakistan’s whole-hearted support to the process and expressed hope that others would follow in same vein, said the military’s media wing.

The army chief said that Pakistan will play its role to enhance all efforts for peace towards fullest potential.

Talks between the US and Taliban have entered into a decisive phase as two sides are soon expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on the US troops withdrawal and assurance by Taliban that Afghan soil will never again be used by terrorist groups.

The likely deal will pave the way for intra-Afghan dialogue where rival groups would then try to push for a consensus peace deal.

Taliban have so far repeatedly refused to hold direct talks with the Afghan government, calling it a US puppet. However, they have agreed to speak to the Kabul administration once the deal is struck with the US.