Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan was the biggest stakeholder in the return of peace and stability to Afghanistan.
Talking to US Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador James Dabbins on Tuesday, Nawaz assured him of Pakistan’s full commitment to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and highlighted various steps Pakistan had taken in this regard.
Noting that the situation in Afghanistan had reached a crucial phase as the US proceeded with its drawdown, the prime minister stressed the need for Pakistan and the United States to remain closely engaged.
Ambassador Dobbins briefed the Prime Minister about developments relating to bilateral relations as well as efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
In this regard, Dobbins elaborated on some recent developments, including the opening of Taliban office in Doha, developments within Afghanistan, and the overall situation in the region.
Ambassador Dobbins expressed great appreciation for the role Pakistan had played in supporting and helping advance the process.
He reiterated the United States’ commitment to working with the new democratically-elected government of Pakistan to build a strong, mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.
The US special representative took on board the Pakistani prime minister and the country’s military leadership over opening of Taliban’s office in Qatar, engagements with Taliban and efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
In wake of coming withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by 2014, the engagements between the Pakistan’s top civilian and military brass and US administration are mounting up to settle down the things as well as distributing responsibilities. Dobbins was in Islamabad as part of such engagements.
Sartaj Aziz, adviser on National Security, Gen Ashfaq Kayani, chief of the army staff and Foreign Secretary Jalil Jilani were present during the sitting between the top Pak-US officials.
