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US Top Negotiator Discusses Afghan Peace With Pakistan PM

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has reassured the United States of its "steadfast"
   support to the peace and reconciliation process in war-shattered
   Afghanistan, stressing the importance for all parties to the conflict
   to take "practical" steps to reduce hostilities.

   Prime Minister Imran Khan's office said in a statement issued late
   Monday that he made the remarks in a meeting with visiting U.S. chief
   negotiator for Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad.

   The U.S. envoy visited Islamabad a day after briefing leaders in Kabul
   on his renewed Afghan peace-building efforts. Khalilzad traveled to
   Afghanistan for the first time since President Donald Trump abruptly
   ended talks with Taliban insurgents last month.

   "As a sincere facilitator and a friend, Pakistan remains ready to do
   everything possible in its capacity, as part of a shared
   responsibility, for (an) early conclusion of a peace deal," Khan said.

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