A delegation from Taliban’s political office, based in Qatar, is arriving in Islamabad on today for a three-day trip for discussions on continuing Afghan peace process.
“The delegation commanded by Taliban’s deputy chief of political affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Barader will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi during its visit that has been arranged on Pakistan government’s invitation,” a Taliban spokesman said.
A 20-day hiatus in intra-Afghan negotiations and awaited transition in the United States form the background of Taliban’s latest trip.
Meanwhile, the adjustment at the White House next month, increased hostility in Afghanistan and lack of clarity about the next location for the talks have injected an element of ambiguity into the process.
Taliban delegation’s visit follows meticulously on the heels of a trip by US Special Envoy for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad to Islamabad on Monday.
The apprehension in Washington about the hiatus was apparent from the envoy’s social media communications.
Amb Khalilzad, upon arrival in Islamabad, tweeted: “Tragically, the war continues. The need for a political settlement, reduction in violence, and a ceasefire remain urgent.”
“Given how much is at stake, it is imperative that there are no delays in resumption of talks and they must resume on Jan 5 as agreed,” he said in another tweet.
Pakistan this year not only facilitated the US and Taliban with the signing of the agreement, but also lent a hand in the start of intra-Afghan dialogue and more recently the agreement on rules and procedures for the negotiations.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, during his trip to Kabul last month, assured the Afghan leadership of Pakistan’s support for decrease in violence in Afghanistan. He expressed to President Ashraf Ghani that “we will do whatever is within our reach”.
Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa in his meeting with Amb Khalilzad assured him of Pakistan’s continual backing for efforts for regional harmony and stability.
