KABUL (SW): Ambiguity surrounds the process of peace talks with the Taliban as Pakistan’s promise to bring the rebels to the negotiation remains devoid of worth.
In a latest development, Khwaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Stability in the neighbouring country was important for the entire region, the Voice of America quoted him as saying on Saturday.
Pakistan would continue to support the dialogue process, as each step taken in this regard was important for the region, the minister added.
Rahimullah Yousufzai, a Pakistani based journalist and expert on Taliban affairs, hoped that the efforts underway in this regard would yield results in the near future. He told Salam Watandar that as a plan “B”, in case the Taliban’s top leadership declines to join the peace talks, Pakistan would try to bring the rebels’ second or third tier’s leaders to the negotiation table.
He went on to say that Pakistan has its limits and cannot force the Taliban for talks because it can invite unwanted reaction from the rebels.
Meanwhile, Attaur Rehman Saleem, deputy head of the High Council for Peace (HCP) has welcomed the remarks made by Pakistan’s defense minister. He however, made it clear that it will not be acceptable to Afghanistan if Pakistan brought the second or third tier of Taliban’s leadership for the talks.
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