Pakistani envoy meets Karzai, Abdullah amid efforts to form Afghan govt

Pakistan Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan met former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and senior official Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the prevailing situation in the neighbouring country.

“Called on former Afghan President Hamid Karzai & Dr Abdullah Abdullah. Had constructive discussions on efforts for lasting stability in Afghanistan,” the envoy said in a tweet on Thursday.

Karzai also said in a tweet that they discussed the latest situation in Afghanistan and inclusive political process with “national and international legitimacy” amid efforts to form a new government in the war-torn country.

The development comes as the Taliban announced the creation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the 102nd anniversary of the country's independence from British rule.

"[This is the] declaration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the country's independence from British rule," tweeted Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid.

Also read: PM, COAS vow to do everything for inclusive Afghan set-up

Taliban leaders have in recent days repeatedly vowed not to seek revenge against their opponents, while seeking to project an image of tolerance.

They have also sort to portray growing political authority, with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returning from exile and other senior figures meeting ex-president Karzai.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured a delegation of Afghan leaders that Pakistan would do everything for an "inclusive settlement" of the Afghan conflict as the Taliban prepares for the new set-up in Kabul.

An eight-member Afghan delegation comprising Salahuddin Rabbani, Muhammad Younis Qanooni, Ustad Muhammad Karim Khalili, Ahmed Zia Masoud, Ustad Muhammad Muhaqiq, Ahmed Wali Masoud, Abdul Latif Pidram and Khalid Noor separately met the prime minister and the army chief.

The delegation arrived in Pakistan the same day the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul.