ISLAMABAD: US’ special representative on Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, in order to seek cooperation from Pakistan on expediting the peace talks with the Taliban, a statement released by the Foreign Office said.
Khalilzad, along with his team members, held delegation-level talks with additional secretary Aftab Khokhar and other officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Sunday.
“Both sides discussed bilateral relations, peace and security situation in the region, exchange of views on mutual interest including Afghan peace process,” excerpts from the statement read.
Khokhar, for his part, informed the delegation that Pakistan would continue to play its role in the Afghan peace process, as per the initiative taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“Pakistan counselled all parties to move toward the political solution... in Afghanistan,” the statement said, even as Khalilzad reiterated that “Pakistan’s role is crucial for the lasting peace in the region.”
Khalilzad has held several rounds of talks with Taliban representatives since October last year. However, despite positive signs, they haven’t reached a consensus on the matter.
On Friday, PM Khan met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the meeting by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, wherein they discussed solutions for a negotiated settlement to the 17-year-old Afghan war.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan,” the FO said on Saturday, adding that “[PM Khan] also underlined Pakistan’s firm support for an Afghan-led and Afghan owned peace process for political solution in Afghanistan.”
US special envoy arrives in Pakistan to take Afghan peace talks forward
US special envoy arrives in Pakistan to take Afghan peace talks forward
- Islamabad’s role is crucial for everlasting peace in the region, Khalilzad says
- Visit follows a meeting between PM Khan and President Ghani on Friday
Pakistan, Qatar seize 4.48 kg cocaine at Islamabad airport in joint anti-narcotics operation
- Female passenger arrested after arriving from Sharjah via Doha, handler detained outside terminal
- Pakistan lies along regional trafficking routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have seized about 4.48 kilograms of cocaine at Islamabad International Airport and arrested two suspects in a joint operation coordinated with Qatar, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) said on Tuesday.
Pakistan lies along regional trafficking routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with airports — particularly transit hubs such as Doha — frequently used to move narcotics through couriers. Authorities say recent years have seen rising interceptions of cocaine shipments destined for urban markets.
“Following the GCC Conference on Counter Narcotics held at Islamabad in April 2025, Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan, in coordination with Qatari counterparts, has conducted a joint intelligence-based operation at Islamabad International Airport,” the ANF said in a statement.
“Operation underscores the effectiveness of enhanced intelligence sharing and operational coordination between Pakistan and Qatar in countering transnational drug trafficking,” the ANF added.
“Cocaine — a highly dangerous and expensive narcotic, often linked to elite consumption — is increasingly being trafficked into Pakistan. ANF remains vigilant in monitoring and disrupting its inflow.”
The force said officers intercepted a Pakistani woman arriving from Sharjah via Doha after receiving shared intelligence and recovered cocaine concealed in a hand-carried trolley bag.
During questioning, investigators said the passenger identified a handler waiting outside the arrivals area, after which authorities detained a second suspect and seized a vehicle.
Investigators said the bag had allegedly been handed to the courier during transit at Hamad International Airport in Doha by a foreign national on instructions from handlers based in the United Arab Emirates, and that coordinated investigations were underway in both countries.
The ANF said the case highlighted cross-border trafficking networks using international transit routes and couriers, adding that the suspects and seized narcotics would remain in custody pending further investigation.
