intra-Afghan dialogue vital for peace in Afghanistan: Qureshi

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday told the US envoy on Afghanistan that an intra-Afghan dialogue was a "vital" to bring peace in the neighbouring war-torn country.

Qureshi held talks with US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who arived in Pakistan after spending five days in Afghanistan to forge a peace deal with the Taliban and bring the more than 17-year-old Afghan war to an end.

Khalilzad briefed Qureshi on the outcome of Doha talks and his recent engagements in the region, the Foreign Office said.

The envoy also shared updates on his meetings in Afghanistan and the dynamics of the Intra-Afghan dialogue, it said.

Qureshi while appreciating his efforts reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the peace process.

"Intra-Afghan Dialogue was a vital component of the reconciliation process," he said.

Qureshi said Pakistan wished well for the peace and stability in Afghanistan which would directly benefit Islamabad's own vision for economic and human development.

Earlier, Khalilzad held delegation level talks with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. He was accompanied by an interagency delegation.

Janjua was assisted by senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence.

The Foreign Secretary briefed him about the telephonic conversation between Qureshi and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

She informed about their mutual interest in further progress on Afghanistan peace efforts and that they agreed to remain engaged to pursue the reconciliation process, the Foreign office said.

Khalilzad was scheduled to visit Qatar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Jordan, the UK and Belgium before returning to Washington on April 10.

He is trying to get broad support for Afghan peace process to bring to an end the longstanding conflict in the country.