WASHINGTON: Pakistan Friday joined the US, Russia and China, urging the Taliban to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul.Pakistan joined the three powers in talks in Beijing that come as the United States moves closer to an agreement with the Taliban to pull troops from Afghanistan and end its longest-ever war.
The four countries "encouraged all parties to take steps to reduce violence leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that starts with intra-Afghan negotiations,” said a joint statement issued by the United States.
They called for direct negotiations involving the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani´s government and other Afghans to “produce a peace framework as soon as possible.”
Members of the Taliban and government met earlier this week in Qatar, a breakthrough even though the participants were said to be there in a personal capacity.
The Taliban, believing they have an upper hand as they seek a US troop withdrawal, have refused to negotiate with Kabul or to halt their deadly campaign of attacks.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to visit Washington on July 22 to meet President Donald Trump, who is impatient to end the war launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has sought an understanding with Russia and China despite the two powers´ rivalries with the United States.
Police say that ten people were killed in Abuja and “many others” in Okija
Ministry says three drones were destroyed by air defence systems and three others by electronic warfare systems
Sanjoy Roy, 33, lone accused in case, pleads not guilty before judge in closed court in Kolkata
JUI-F chief says talks with government have been positive wherein it admitted that party’s demands were strong
Iran has poor road safety record, with 20,000 deaths reported between March 2023 and March 2024 in road accidents
"Entire nation is united to eliminate every enemy of peace," says Maryam Nawaz
