UK praises Pakistan Army’s role in Afghan reconciliation

At a time when a Taliban delegation is on a three-day visit to Islamabad, British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner has appreciated the Pakistan Army’s role in Afghan reconciliation process and maintaining peace and stability in the region, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military's media wing said that Dr Turner called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday.

Matters of mutual interest and overall regional security situation were discussed during the meeting, the ISPR added.

The meeting took place at a time when the Taliban delegation is visiting the country from 16 to 18 December as part of Pakistan’s efforts of outreach to all Afghan stakeholders for a peaceful resolution of the Afghan conflict.

This is the third visit of Mullah Baradar, who co-founded the Taliban movement with late Mullah Omar, 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 three days after Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for Afghanistan, visited Islamabad and met General Qamar.

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 Islamabad'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.