Top officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the United States met in Islamabad in the first round of the consultations to revive the stalled peace process in Afghanistan. The meeting concluded with the agreement that there is a need for an immediate recommencement of direct dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government.
First of all it’s encouraging that four countries are not giving up on the process and are trying to come up with a framework in which to bring the various factions to the negotiations table. Indeed peace in Afghanistan would bring stability in the region which would pave the way for economic prosperity for all the neighbouring countries.
According to reports there is division among the rival groups of Taliban, some in the favour of talks and some not. It would be best if the ones in the favour of talks are invited for the talks to restore peace in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz presented the proposals of his government regarding the best approach possible under the present circumstances.
Thus, from Pakistan’s perspective, it is important that all Taliban groups should be given an invitation to join the talks process with no preconditions. On the other side, government in Afghanistan needs to abolish differences regarding the speculation either to indulge in talks with Taliban or not. Some of the fractions in Afghanistan’s government have reportedly shown different views over this idea. It makes sense that the process of peace talks should be Afghan owned but support from other countries would not do any harm. Considering the fact that Taliban forces are strengthening once again, Afghan government should find the peace via talks process. Afghanistan has seen enough of bloodshed and chaos; it would be in the best interest of the country to solve issues peacefully.
Political solution is the only way forward for peace in Afghanistan.
