Khan meets US special envoy, promises help for Afghan peace

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday met US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad here and reaffirmed Islamabad's "abiding interest" in achieving lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

Khalilzad told Khan that "the US leadership looked forward to working with Pakistan in furthering the shared goal of peace through a political settlement in Afghanistan", Dawn online reported citing a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, Khan emphasised the importance of boosting regular bilateral engagement in priority areas especially trade, investment, education, health and social sector development, the statement said.

Khalilzad is on his third visit to Pakistan since he took charge of the office dealing with peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan in September.

He accompanied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Islamabad just a day after his appointment and later visited the country again in October.

Khalilzad had met Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday and had reiterated US President Donald Trump's desire to seek Islamabad's cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

According to Geo News, Qureshi assured the US side of Pakistan's steadfast support for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

The special envoy will travel to Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar during his 18-day tour till to December 20.

Khalilzad will also meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government.

--IANS

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