ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is to host the second round of direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government on July 31, a senior Pakistani security official said yesterday, laying to rest speculation that either China or Qatar would be the next venue for the negotiations.
The first round of talks between the two Afghan stakeholders was also held in Pakistan’s tourist resort of Murree on July 7.
“I can confirm the second round of the Afghan peace talks will be held in Pakistan,” the security official said yesterday.
“The understanding is that the process should continue here,” he said, denying earlier reports emerging from Kabul that the talks could be held in China or Qatar.
When asked what progress could be expected, he did not directly respond to the question and said, “Everyone is aware that it is a difficult process. There could be difficulties and challenges. But hopes are also there as the environment is very conducive.”
A former Taliban minister and member of the powerful leadership council said the Taliban are deeply involved in internal consultations to nominate senior leaders for the second round.
In Kabul, a member of the Afghan negotiating team, Muhammad Nateqi, ruled out the possibility of changes in their squad. The Afghan government’s team was headed by the presidential adviser, Haji Deen Muhammad. The Kabul team had representation of the High Peace Council, the chief executive and the vice president, General Abdul Rashid Dostum.
The Taliban’s former minister said the Qatar political office cannot oppose the talks as the leadership council has approved the process.
“More members of the leadership council are most likely to join the second round. These leaders have more powers than the Qatar office,” he said.
Two senior Taliban leaders have wrapped up a visit to Saudi Arabia, in connection with the consultations with the Saudi officials. A former Taliban deputy foreign minister Mullah Jalil and Kandahar’s former governor Mullah Hasan returned yesterday after the visit to Saudi Arabia, Afghan sources said.
Internews
