KARACHI : The Office of the National Security Council confirmed that last week was one of the deadliest weeks for the Afghan forces in the past 19 years during which at least 291 security personnel lost their lives. Javid Faisal, a spokesperson for the Office of National Security Council, said that the Taliban militants carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces last week. “The past week was the deadliest of the past 19 years. Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces, martyring 291 ANDSF members and wounding 550 others.” He also added, “Taliban’s commitment to reduce violence is meaningless, and their actions inconsistent with their rhetoric on peace.” This comes as efforts underway to find a negotiated settlement to end the ongoing violence in Afghanistan. Efforts are also underway to start intra-Afghan talks aimed at ending the ongoing violence in the country. The U.S. and Taliban representatives signed a peace deal late in February this year with the release of prisoners being one of the key points for the launch of intra-Afghan talks. Both the Afghan government and Taliban have so far released hundreds of prisoners to help the peace process. The Security Council calls on the Taliban to stop the violence as soon as possible, saying that without a reduction in violence “reaching peace could be impossible.” The Taliban militant group yet to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons met with Taliban deputy leader Mullah Baradar in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The UN envoy highlighted the need for a just peace that was inclusive of all Afghans, including women, youth and minorities.The U.S. and Taliban representatives signed a peace deal late in February this year with the release of prisoners being one of the key points for the launch of intra-Afghan talks. Both the Afghan government and Taliban have so far released hundreds of prisoners to help the peace process.
Beyond Politics: Ensuring Judicial Independence for a Thriving Democracy
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