Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan's long-lasting interest in resolution of Afghan conflict through political settlement and also emphasised on the importance of intensifying regular engagement with the US on priority areas in the bilateral context, particularly trade, investment and social sector. The Prime Minister was talking to Special Envoy of US Secretary of State for Afghan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad who paid a courtesy call on him at the conclusion of his two-day visit to the country.
According to the media office of the PM House, Ambassador Khalilzad conveyed the "good wishes" of US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Imran Khan and stated that the US leadership looked forward to working with Pakistan in furthering the shared goal of peace through a political settlement in Afghanistan.
"The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's abiding interest in achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through political settlement," said a brief statement issued after the meeting.
Recalling his long personal commitment to the cause of peace in the region, it stated that the Prime Minister welcomed President Trump's letter and the US assurance to work with Pakistan on this shared objective.
The prime minister also emphasised on the importance of intensifying regular engagement on priority areas in the bilateral context particularly trade, investment, education, health and social sector development, it added.
In a recent letter written to Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Trump has sought Pakistan's help in bringing the Taliban to the negotiation table to end the Afghan war. According to Foreign Office, President Trump stated that his most important regional priority was achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war.
"In this regard, he [Trump] has sought Pakistan's support and facilitation", Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said, adding that President Trump has also acknowledged that the war had cost both the US and Pakistan. He further said that President Trump has emphasised that Pakistan and the US should explore opportunities to work together and renew partnership.
Ambassador Khalilzad's visit comes at a time when there are rumours that a delegation of Taliban's Qatar office is also in Islamabad for "internal consultation", though there is no official confirmation.
Earlier on Tuesday, the special US envoy met with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and held delegation level talks with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
Officials from diplomatic, security and defence from both sides also participated in the delegation level talks in which peace and political settlement in Afghanistan was discussed.
No further details were shared with the media either by the Foreign Office or the US Embassy here in Islamabad which usually releases its official handout at the conclusion of the high-level visits from Washington.
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