ISLAMABAD: US’ special representative on Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad briefed Pakistani officials on the peace talks in Afghanistan, adding that “substantial progress had been made over the last month,” the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement released on Monday.
On Sunday, as part of his one-day visit to the country, Khalilzad held talks with top Pakistani leaders on Sunday. “Ambassador Khalilzad met Prime Minister Imran Khan, [Foreign Ministry’s] Additional Secretary Aftab Khokhar and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa,” excerpts from the statement read.
He highlighted the fact that the United States continues to be encouraged by the role played by Pakistan in advancing the peace process and discussed additional steps that Pakistan could take for the same.
According to the statement, the two sides also discussed the benefit of improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in implementing and sustaining durable peace.
“Both countries will benefit from the increased regional connectivity, cooperation and integration that peace in Afghanistan offers. The United States stands ready to assist,” the statement read.
Earlier on Sunday, during the meeting at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, additional secretary Aftab Khokhar told Khalilzad and his team that Pakistan would continue to play its role in the Afghan peace process, as per the initiative taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Last 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.
'Substantial progress’ made in Afghan peace talks, Says US Special envoy
'Substantial progress’ made in Afghan peace talks, Says US Special envoy
- Khalilzad encouraged Islamabad’s role in advancing the initiative
- Both nations will benefit from increased regional connectivity, he says
Pakistan explores new food export routes, protections for farm supply amid Middle East conflict
- Senior ministers review alternative sea routes, new markets amid the war in Iran
- Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for its imports and exports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reviewed the supply of perishable food items and fertilizer stocks on Monday, according to the state media, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt shipping routes and energy supplies critical to the country’s trade and agriculture.
The meetings, chaired separately by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, came as tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran have raised concerns about the security of key maritime routes and energy markets that underpin Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for both fuel imports and exports of agricultural and food products, making disruptions in the region particularly sensitive for the country.
Dar chaired a meeting of the PM’s Committee to review the supply and export of perishable food items, examining steps to maintain domestic availability while ensuring timely exports of surplus produce.
“In the light of evolving regional trade dynamics and disruptions to some traditional routes, the committee explored alternative export pathways, sea routes, and potential new markets,” Radio Pakistan reported after the meeting.
Officials also discussed proposals from exporters and emphasized improving storage facilities, logistics and market access while assessing global demand and pricing trends to support export competitiveness.
In a separate meeting in Islamabad, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government would ensure stable fertilizer availability despite regional uncertainties.
“Agricultural productivity and food security will remain protected despite external challenges,” he said while chairing a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee.
He stressed the need for close coordination among manufacturers, distributors and provincial authorities to maintain uninterrupted fertilizer supply across the country.
The committee also reviewed fertilizer pricing and distribution mechanisms to prevent artificial shortages and hoarding, officials said, adding that authorities would monitor prices closely to ensure farmers have access to affordable inputs.
