Zalmay Khalilzad, the former United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has said that he is not confident Pakistan will pursue a diplomatic approach to resolving the ongoing dispute with the Taliban.
He made these remarks in response to the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for an end to the tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan.
Khalilzad stated that the Taliban have repeatedly emphasized their preference for resolving disputes through diplomacy and have put forward various proposals to that end. He added that the Taliban maintain they have no intention of engaging in hostilities with Pakistan and regard it as a fellow Muslim and brotherly country.
According to Khalilzad, the key question now is whether Pakistan’s leadership will respond positively to the United Nations Secretary-General’s appeal.
“I hope it does,” Khalilzad said, “but unfortunately, I am not very optimistic.”
These remarks come amid reports that Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar resulted in the deaths of 28 people, including children, women, and young people, while nearly 50 others were injured.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
