Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Peace, Muhammad Sadiq, met with the Taliban chief negotiator, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, and other officials in Doha, the capital of the state of Qatar.

The meeting took place on June 16-17 to review progress and discuss the possible start of the intra-Afghan dialogue.

Officials acquainted with Pakistani envoy’s visit said one of the main talking points of his meeting with the Taliban leadership was to discuss the preparations for the upcoming intra-Afghan negotiations.

“Pakistan considers Doha a convenient venue for intra-Afghan negotiations. However, it is for the stakeholders to make the final decision in this regard,” sources quoted the Pakistan envoy as telling the Taliban.

The intra-Afghan dialogue was supposed to take place within days of the landmark deal signed between the United States and Taliban on February 29 in Doha.

Meanwhile, a Pakistan official informed of the meeting said that Pakistan would continue to play the role of a facilitator for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.

“It was encouraging to note that the Taliban leadership was committed to the implementation of the accord signed on February 29 this year, which would pave the way for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan,” added the official.

According to the official, Mullah Baradar told Sadiq that the release of prisoners, according to the February accord, would be a stepping stone to immediately start intra-Afghan negotiations.

The Pakistani envoy expressed hopes that all parties concerned will sincerely make efforts for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. “On its part, Government of Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the peace process,” he added.

Arezo News – Salimi