What Taliban, US discussed in Qatar? on January 24, 2019Afghan Taliban and the American peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad have been involved in hectic parleys in Qatar over the past three days to reach an understanding over thorny issues, the most complicated is the question of the withdrawal of foreign troops. Taliban officials say their top priority is to ask the Americans "if and when" they intend to quit Afghanistan. Reports say the US has spent … [Read more...] about What Taliban, US discussed in Qatar?
Hopes for Taliban talks in Pakistan still alive on January 20, 2019US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has wrapped up his official talks with top Pakistani civil and military leaders over the past three days but still stays in the country in hope of meeting the Taliban leaders. Pakistani officials have not given up efforts to convince the Taliban to sit with Khalilzad, who is leading a high-level delegation as part of his peace mission. Two Taliban officials, … [Read more...] about Hopes for Taliban talks in Pakistan still alive
Pakistan making efforts for Taliban-US meeting on January 19, 2019Pakistan is encouraging the Afghan Taliban leaders to meet US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is currently in Pakistan as part of his efforts to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement. Pakistan facilitated Khalilzad's meeting with the Taliban leaders in the United Arab Emirates last month that was also attended by Saudi, UAE and Pakistani officials. Taliban say Khalilzad cancelled … [Read more...] about Pakistan making efforts for Taliban-US meeting
Reluctant American envoy eyes Pakistan’s support to bring Taliban to table on January 17, 2019A flurry of Afghan peace activity will take place in Pakistan in the coming days as American special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is set to open talks in Islamabad on Thursday to explore ways for political solution to the Afghan conflict. Khalilzad, who has been involved in talks with Afghan leaders in Kabul over the past few days, will be holding meetings with Pakistani leaders amid the Taliban's … [Read more...] about Reluctant American envoy eyes Pakistan’s support to bring Taliban to table
Pakistan frees another senior Taliban leader on January 16, 2019Pakistan on Tuesday released a senior Afghan Taliban leader who was taken into custody from Peshawar a few days ago, Taliban sources said. Hafiz Mohibullah is the member of a Taliban political commission and has taken part in several rounds of peace talks. Taliban officials said they do not know as to why he was arrested at a time when Taliban and the US were engaged in talks to find out a … [Read more...] about Pakistan frees another senior Taliban leader
Khalilzad due today amid stalemate in Taliban talks on January 15, 2019Zalmay Khalilzad, the US diplomat assigned to lead peace talks with the Taliban, is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday (today) for talks on Pakistan's role in the peace process, officials said Monday. Khalilzad will hold talks with Pakistani officials on ways how to convince the Taliban sit with the Afghan government. Taliban have ruled out negotiations with the Kabul administration … [Read more...] about Khalilzad due today amid stalemate in Taliban talks
Islamabad, Kabul plan joint ulema conference on Afghan reconciliation on January 14, 2019Afghanistan and Pakistan are planning conferences of religious scholars to explore ways for their role in peace and reconciliation in the war-shattered country, officials of the two countries said on Sunday. President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy Umer Daudzai discussed the proposal in meetings during his recent visit to Pakistan. Council of Islamic Ideology Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz told Daily … [Read more...] about Islamabad, Kabul plan joint ulema conference on Afghan reconciliation
2019 is the year of peace in Afghanistan: Daudzai on January 12, 2019Afghan peace envoy Umer Daudzai Friday concluded his four-day visit to Pakistan during which he received full support for his government's efforts to begin direct negotiations with the Taliban. Daudzai, Afghan President's Special Envoy for Regional Consensus for Afghan Peace, said in an interview that Pakistan has 'influence' over the Taliban and its role is key to encourage the insurgents sit … [Read more...] about 2019 is the year of peace in Afghanistan: Daudzai
Pakistan, Afghan officials to hold peace talks in Islamabad this week on January 7, 2019Senior Afghan and Pakistani officials will hold talks in Islamabad this week that will focus on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government. Taliban's refusal to sit with the Afghan government remains a big challenge for all stakeholders. The US and the Afghan government are urging Pakistan to encourage the Taliban to join intra-Afghan talks. However, … [Read more...] about Pakistan, Afghan officials to hold peace talks in Islamabad this week
Ex-Afghan defence minister disputes Trump’s claim on Soviet invasion on January 5, 2019Shah Nawaz Tanai, who served as Afghanistan defence minister during the Soviet occupation in the 80s, has disputed remarks by US President Donald Trump that the erstwhile Soviet Union had invaded Afghanistan because "terrorists were going into Russia." Speaking at the cabinet meeting this week, Trump justified the Soviet invasion and said "they (Soviets) were right to be there … [Read more...] about Ex-Afghan defence minister disputes Trump’s claim on Soviet invasion
