Time not 'opportune' for Afghan peace talks: Sartaj Aziz

Comments come at a time when Afghanistan continues criticising Pakistan, alleging it of plotting terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said the time is not “opportune” for Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace talks.

“Reconciliation is in our view one of the best options but the pre-conditions for a successful outcome is required, and that requires some consensus among stakeholders,” Aziz said while talking to the media on Monday.

Aziz's comments come at a time when Afghanistan continues criticising Pakistan and Afghan Interior Minister Noorul Haq Uloomi has accused the country of “promoting insecurity” in Afghanistan.



“Pakistan doesn't want Afghanistan's national sovereignty. Plans for subversive activities in Afghanistan are still being plotted in Pakistan,” Tolo TV reported Ulomi as saying.

“Afghan government and Taliban have to decide when meaningful discussions can take place. That is the time where our role comes. Right now I don't think the time is opportune,” Aziz said.

On President Ashraf Ghani’s request, Pakistan had brokered the first ever face-to-face talks in 14 years between the government in Kabul and Afghan Taliban in July.



The next round was scheduled; however, Mullah Omar's death led to the cancellation of the dialogue.

President Ghani later said he would not seek Islamabad's role in peace with the Taliban but Afghanistan will pursue it on its own.

Aziz said anything that would reduce the level of insurgency and infighting in Afghanistan would be welcomed by Pakistan.