- Aziz rejects Pak’s involvement in terrorism in Afghanistan, says talks’ second round will take place once Taliban leadership issue is decided
- Ghani calls Sharif, discusses prospects of Afghan peace talks, matters of regional, mutual interests
- UN calls on anti-government elements in Afghanistan to stop targeting civilian-populated areas
Denouncing the recent spike in deadly terrorist attacks across Afghanistan, Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security Sartaj Aziz Sunday underscored the need for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban saying that Pakistan can persuade the Taliban to reengage in talks only after the group resolves its leadership problem.
“We have been urging the Taliban to talk rather than fight because ultimately fighting is not a solution,” said Aziz while speaking to Voice of America in Islamabad.
“I think the first round was very productive and I hope the second round will take place before long once the leadership issue is decided. It is not yet clear whom they represent and whether there will be unanimity on the new leadership or not.”
Pakistan brokered and hosted inaugural talks between the Afghan government and Taliban officials in early July, but Mullah Omar’s death prompted the insurgent group to pull out of the next round of negotiations.
PAK NOT INVOLVED IN TERRORISM:
Moreover, Aziz dismissed the charges of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and said there are “all kinds of (militant) factions” operating in Afghanistan, making it difficult to ascertain who is behind the bloodshed.
“We very much condemn all the terrorist attacks in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan and we have constantly worked with the Afghan government to try to restrict movements across the borders so that no terrorist goes from here to commit any act there,” said Aziz.
Furthermore, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday, local media reported.
In the conversation which lasted for about ten minutes, the two leaders discussed the prospects of peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government. They also discussed other matters of regional and mutual interests.
Sharif also expressed sorrow over recent blasts in Afghanistan, and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives. Both the leaders agreed to start the next round of Afghan peace talks soon.
While the premier appreciated Ghani’s attitude towards Pakistan during the ongoing attacks in Afghanistan, both the leaders agreed to continue the peace process, added the sources.
Taliban have launched series of attacks in Kabul and other parts in recent days that have killed scores of people.
The violence has picked up particularly since the disclosure two weeks ago of the death of Mullah Omar, the longstanding leader of the Islamist insurgents.
Senior Pakistani security officials told VOA Sunday that despite attempts by “spoilers and detractors” in Afghanistan to hamper improved bilateral cooperation, leaders in both countries remain closely engaged to further the reconciliation process.
Pakistan is working with “outmost sincerity” and is “positive” about the future of Afghan peace talks, the officials insisted, requesting anonymity. They went on to say that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s discussions with Pakistan’s military chief General Raheel Sharif following the disclosure of Mullah Omar’s death were “extremely positive” and both sides “remain on course.”
General John Campbell, US commander of NATO’s Afghan Resolute Support Mission, speaking in Washington last week also praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan’s military chief and Afghan leaders appear determined to further cement bilateral counterterrorism cooperation and promote regional stability.
“I think you are going to see a concerted effort by Pakistan to continue to drive the Taliban to the peace table to really drive down the violence level over the next couple of months,” said Campbell. “President Ghani has been very, very strong with General Raheel on giving him certain edicts out there to decide you need to do this to show us that you really mean what you say this time.”
The US general, however, agreed with the widespread perception that “fracturing” inside the Taliban following the death of its spiritual leader may hamper efforts aimed at bringing them to the peace table for talks with the Ghani government and it could also intensify violence in Afghanistan.
UN URGES HALT TO ATTACKS ON AFGHAN CIVILIANS:
In the meanwhile, the United Nations on Saturday called on anti-government elements in Afghanistan to stop targeting civilian-populated areas, after a series of attacks yesterday killed at least 40 people, injured more than 300 and caused extensive damage to homes and property.
This was the highest number of civilians killed and injured in one day since the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) began systematically recording civilian casualties in 2009.
In a statement issued following the three attacks carried out in Kabul on Friday, UNAMA repeated its call for anti-government elements, including the Taliban, to cease the use of complex and suicide attacks in civilian-populated areas.
SAMI IS UP FOR DIALOGUE:
Moreover, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) chief Samiul Haq has said that dialogue and not the use of force is the only option for reconciliation between Afghan government and Taliban.
In an interview in Lahore on Sunday, Haq said that his party has always played leading role for regional peace and will continue to take part in the peace process in future. He said that from first day JUI-S was of the view that use of force for restoration of peace is not enduring but talks can come with better results to resolve the issue.
