19 September 2017

News Story: Pakistan To Ask US To Hold Talks With Afghan Taliban

By Mir Aqa Popalzai

Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said he would call on US President Donald Trump’s administration to change its military-oriented policy to one of dialogue and hold talks with the Afghan Taliban in a bid to bring peace and security to the war-ravaged country. 

He also stressed the need for a role to be considered for other countries, especially Iran and Russia, in the Afghan peace process, saying these countries have a major influence on the Taliban. 

"Peace talks with the Taliban could be arranged if Washington works with countries in the region that have influence over the militant group", Pakistan Radio quoted Asif, as saying. 

The statement comes amid heightened tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Asif is also expected to meet US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other high level officials from the Trump administration. 

Read the full story at TOLOnews