Pakistan desires durable solution to Afghan conflict: Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated on Wednesday that Pakistan desired a ‘durable’ solution to the longstanding Afghan conflict.

In a meeting with the head of Taliban's political office in Qatar Mullah Baradar Akhund and his eight-member delegation, the foreign minister stated that peace in Afghanistan was imperative for peace and stability in the entire region.

He further underscored that Pakistan and Afghanistan shared similar customs, were both Muslim-majority states and therefore should work closely to bring peace to the region.

“Pakistan has played its possible reconciliatory role in the agreement reached between the Afghan Taliban and the United States in Doha,” the foreign minister said.

Qureshi said the agreement on the rules for intra-Afghan talks was a welcome development.

“Pakistan has been stating since the beginning that the only way for peace in Afghanistan is meaningful and comprehensive dialogue,” he underscored adding that Pakistan wanted promotion of multifaceted ties with Afghanistan.

The Afghan Taliban delegation head Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar lauded Pakistan's reconciliatory efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

Delegation of the Taliban Political Commission arrived at New Islamabad International Airport (IIA) this morning from Doha on flight QR-632.

The delegation was received by senior Pakistani officials and escorted under tight security.

During their visit, the Afghan delegation will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and hold talks with senior government officials, pertaining to Pak-Afghan peace talks.

The delegation will discuss issues of mutual interest, in particular, problems of refugees, relaxation and facilitation of afghan’s movement to Pakistan, as well as issues faced by Afghan traders.

This is the third visit of Mullah Baradar to Pakistan and the latest trip comes as Taliban and Afghan government took a 20-day break in their talks taking place in Doha.

After months of negotiations, the two sides recently agreed on the rules of engagements for the next phase of talks on the political future of Afghanistan and the comprehensive ceasefire.

The visit of Taliban delegation comes two days after Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for Afghanistan, visited Islamabad and met Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

He expressed concern over the break in talks, saying the current situation warranted urgent steps to reach a peace deal.

He hoped that the intra-Afghan talks would resume on January 5.

It is believed that Khalilzad sought Pakistan's help in making sure that there is no delay in the intra-Afghan talks.

The push for seeking a peace deal continues despite President Trump lost the elections. The incoming President Joe Biden may continue with the peace efforts but seek more concessions from the Taliban particularly on the ceasefire.