US, Taliban thank Pakistan for efforts to end decades-long war

Afghan peace deal result of 14-month long painstaking negotiation process brokered and facilitated by Pakistan

Islamabad was at the centre of the signing of the historic deal between the United States and Taliban to bring peace in Afghanistan with both sides thanking Pakistan for its efforts to make the agreement a reality.

The imminent peace deal signed on Saturday in Qatar was the result of a 14-month long painstaking negotiation process — brokered and facilitated by Pakistan — between the US and the Taliban.

Addressing the media after the signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his gratitude for facilitating the peace process.

"To Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Pakistan, we thank you for your efforts in helping reach these historic agreements and make clear our expectation that you will continue to do your part to promote a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan so that the country and region can reap the benefits of lasting peace."

Met with @Coalition partners following the signing of our agreement with the Taliban, which brings us all closer to our goal of peace in #Afghanistan. Look forward to our continued close cooperation to protect our shared security and as we consider any adjustments to U.S. forces. pic.twitter.com/XwIrGWTHHq

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) March 1, 2020

In his speech, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar also acknowledged Islamabad's role in realising the landmark peace deal and thanked Pakistan for "its efforts, work and assistance".

The Taliban leader went on to thank China, Qatar, Russia and other international players that provided assistance in bringing an end to America’s longest, costliest and deadliest war and raising hopes for peace in the strife-torn country.

The signing ceremony was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and notables from Russia, China, Qatar and other key players.

Ahead of the ceremony, Qureshi told an audience at Pakistan’s Embassy in Doha that the US-Taliban deal is vindication of Islamabad’s stance that there is no military solution to the Afghan imbroglio.

US aims to withdraw all forces 'within 14 months': US-Afghan declaration

US-Taliban peace deal

In the agreement, the United States said it is committed to reducing the number of its troops in Afghanistan to 8,600 — from the current 13,000 — within 135 days of signing the deal, and working with its allies to proportionally reduce the number of coalition forces in Afghanistan over that period, if the Taliban adhere to their security guarantees and ceasefire.

A full withdrawal of all US and coalition forces would occur within 14 months of the deal getting signed, if the Taliban hold up their end of the deal, the joint statement said.

Prior to the signing ceremony, the Taliban had ordered all its fighters in Afghanistan to refrain from violence against civilians, Afghan and western forces.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 after seizing power following years of civil war, and imposed many restrictions on women and activities it deemed “un-Islamic.”

After being ousted from power in 2001, the Taliban have led a violent insurgency against the internationally backed government, killing thousands.

The Afghan war has been a stalemate for over 18 years, with the Taliban increasingly controlling or contesting more territory, yet unable to capture and hold major urban centers.



Eliminating anti-Pakistan elements

Pakistan only facilitated the talks but also persuaded the insurgents to show flexibility on the issue of reduction of violence as well as an intra-Afghan dialogue.

There were questions asked if Pakistan would get anything in return from the US for its pivotal role in helping the Afghan peace process succeed.

Indications are that the US and Afghanistan have already begun to address some of Pakistan’s security concerns. The recent killing of key commanders of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan was believed to be the work of some such understanding between Pakistan and the US.

In return for Pakistan’s help, the US was requested to eliminate anti-Pakistan elements operating out of Afghan soil.

Pakistan has in the past accused Indian secret agencies as well as the Afghan spy agency of backing the outlawed TTP and other such groups.

It has been pushing both the US and Afghan government to deny such elements sanctuary across the border. In recent weeks, there are visible changes as the Afghan forces were directly involved in some of the operations against the TTP terrorists.

The signing ceremony