Pakistani PM reiterates support for Afghan peace process

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Tuesday the visiting US special envoy his government's full commitment to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, the PM office said. US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador James Dobbins Ambassador met the Prime Minister after he arrived on a two-day visit to Islamabad as part his peace initiative. Earlier the US envoy visited Afghanistan and Qatar and discussed the Afghan peace process with special focus on the Taliban office in Doha. Ambassador Dobbins briefed the Prime Minister about developments relating to bilateral relations as well as efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, a statement from the Prime Minister's office said. In this connection, he elaborated on some recent developments, including the opening of the Taliban office in Doha, developments within Afghanistan, and the overall situation in the region, it said. The Prime Minister conveyed to Ambassador Dobbins that Pakistan had the highest stakes in the return of peace and stability to Afghanistan. Noting that the situation in Afghanistan had reached a crucial phase as the US proceeds with its drawdown, the Prime Minister stressed the need for Pakistan and the United States to remain closely engaged. The Prime Minister was assisted by Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser on National Security, and the army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the statement said. Ahead of Dobbins visit, the United States has appreciated Pakistan's support for reconciliation process in Afghanistan. The State Department's spokesman Patrick Ventrell talking to newsmen in Washington said the US Special Representative will discuss bilateral cooperation with Pakistani leadership in Islamabad. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman said last week that Islamabad had facilitated the Qatar peace process. However, he had not shared more information with the media. The US envoy arrived in Islamabad from Kabul where he met President Hamid Karzai and discussed issues relating to the Taliban Qatar office. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a telephonic contact with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, state media reported. They discussed bilateral relations and regional situation, radio Pakistan reported.