Afghan president, politicians discuss peace process

Published March 31, 2019
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday hosted key political figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, in order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, an official statement said. — Photo courtesy Ashraf Ghani Twitter
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday hosted key political figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, in order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, an official statement said. — Photo courtesy Ashraf Ghani Twitter

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday hosted key political figures, including former president Hamid Karzai, in order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, an official statement said.

This came as the top US peace negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, is set to visit the war-ravaged country for yet another round of shuttle diplomacy for truce.

According to a statement issued by the presidency, Ghani hosted his power-sharing CEO Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai and former mujahideen commander Abdul Rab Rasul Sayaf and chairman of the High Peace Council Mohammad Karim Khalili.

"The named personalities shared their suggestions for better representation of [all] segments of the society in line with the recent realities and developments for the peace process," the statement said, adding the exchange of views is aimed at streamlining multiple efforts into a unified stance of consultations for peace.

In the past couple of months, the Taliban held multiple rounds of talks with the US representatives and a selective group of Afghan politicians, including Karzai, in Russia and Qatar.

However, the insurgents continue to refuse meeting Afghan government officials.

"In order to reach a unified stance on the peace process, I will continue the consultation with other politicians and representatives of all walks of life with earnest," President Ghani said in a Twitter post after the meeting.

The US and the Taliban publicly announced to have reached an agreement in principle over the ultimate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...