Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Afghan peace process

Tariq Fatemi expresses confidence that talks between Afghan govt and Taliban would resume soon

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reaffirmed on Wednesday its commitment to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, days after Mullah Omar's successor cast doubts on a fledgling peace process.

During a meeting with Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi expressed confidence that talks with Taliban would soon resume, a Foreign Office statement said.

“Fatemi expressed confidence that the talks would resume soon and help in paving way for peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the statement read.

Read: Pakistan to coax Afghan Taliban back into talks

The second round of face-to-face talks between Afghan government officials and Taliban representatives, brokered by Pakistan, were postponed following confirmation of Mullah Omar’s death.

Further, Fatemi emphasised the need for continuous regional and international engagement with Afghanistan in meeting the challenges of peace and security, as well as economic development.

"Pak-Afghan relations are moving along a positive trajectory and the successful holding of the first round of peace talks is an important milestone," the PM’s special adviser added.

Fatemi appreciated the role played by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reiterated Pakistan's continued support for the Mission.

Read: Taliban, Afghan government talk 'peace' in Islamabad

Pakistan's strong support for UNAMA's mandate was also appreciated by the Afghan envoy as he lauded its role towards international efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He further highlighted UNAMA's role towards coordinating international civilian efforts for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The visit marks Yamamoto's first visit to Pakistan since his appointment as as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General in October 2014.