ISLAMABAD: Zalmay Khalilzad, United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, called on Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday and appreciated Pakistan’s ‘untiring’ efforts to facilitate peace talks in Afghanistan to end almost two decades of war.
Talks between a Kabul government delegation and the Taliban have been going on in Doha since mid-September, but progress has been slow amid rising violence in Afghanistan that has sapped trust.
On Monday, gunmen stormed Kabul University, killing students in their classrooms and firing on others as they fled, in the second attack on an educational institution in the city in just over a week.
“Regional security situation, Afghan peace process with particular reference to border management and way forward for lasting peace in Afghanistan were discussed during the meeting,” a statement from the Pakistani military said. “Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's untiring efforts for facilitating the process towards the mutual objective of peace in the region.”
In a separate statement, the Pakistani foreign office condemned Monday’s attack on Kabul University.
“This act of terrorism is particularly despicable as it targeted an institution of learning,” the foreign office said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish speedy recovery to the wounded. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Afghan people in this hour of grief and sorrow.”
“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and will continue to support a peaceful and stable Afghanistan,” the statement added.
Nearly 6,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or wounded in the first nine months of the year as heavy fighting between government forces and Taliban insurgents rages on despite efforts to find peace, the United Nations said last week.
