Afghan deal should include roadmap for DPs’ return, US told

US special envoy on Afghanistan peace process Zalmay Khalilzad holds talks with FM, COAS

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday urged the US to make “a time-bound and well-resourced roadmap” for return of the Afghan refugees “a part of the future Afghan settlement deal”, noting that the direct talks between the Washington and the Taliban were nearing fruition.

Talking to US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed the need for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, economic development and connectivity.

During the meeting at the Foreign Ministry, Khalilzad updated the foreign minister about the US efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Monday night.

Khalilzad, who also attended the International Conference being hosted by Pakistan to mark 40 years of Pakistan’s hospitality to the Afghan refugees, also shared that the Afghan peace and reconciliation process was moving forward steadily,” the statement added.

Khalilzad, Gen Qamar discuss Afghan peace, regional security

“The foreign minister welcomed the progress in the peace process. He also appreciated efforts of Ambassador Khalilzad in this regard,” read the statement, adding that the foreign minister said that Pakistan had played its due role in facilitating direct talks with Taliban that was nearing fruition.

Qureshi stressed the need for a plan for respectful repatriation of Afghan refugees in phases on the basis of resources and timeline. “A time-bound and well-resourced roadmap for return of the Afghan refugees with dignity and honour should form part of the future Afghan settlement deal,” he said.

Separately, Khalilzad called on Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. Matters of mutual interest, including overall regional security situation and ongoing Afghan reconciliation process were discussed during the meeting, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.