Pak in defensive mode following Afghan outrage over power-sharing with Taliban suggestion

After Afghanistan accused Pakistan of pushing a power-sharing formula involving the Taliban, the Foreign Office has defended the country's role in the war-torn country and said it always tried to make a positive contribution.

Pakistan floated the concept of an Afghan power-sharing arrangement between Kabul and the Taliban as part of a peace talks 'end game'.

Offended by Pakistan's statement, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Ershad Ahmadi said that the suggestion has been met with outrage in Kabul.

Ahmadi said that they believe federalism is a means for Pakistani to achieve what they could not achieve through their proxy, the Taliban, on the battlefield.

According to the Dawn News, during a meeting with Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Umer Daudzai on Friday Foreign Affairs and National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz had proposed a power-sharing formula involving the Taliban and other stakeholders in Afghanistan for ending the war there.

The Afghan Government was offended by the suggestion, which has already been critical of Pakistan's involvement with the Taliban.

In Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesman Aizaz Chaudry denied any suggestion of ceding territory had been made during the meeting.

He added that Pakistan wants to see a peaceful, united, prosperous and stable Afghanistan and to that end Pakistan has been making constructive contributions, the report added.