Afghanistan has previously accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye to Afghan Taliban commanders on its soil and even of supporting the militant group it is fighting, which Islamabad denies. Ghani said the “key to peace was in Afghanistan”, as talks between the Taliban and US officials on ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan appear to be gaining momentum. A month ago, Islamabad assured Khalilzad that it would back a negotiated settlement with the Taliban to end the long war in Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump has personally asked for Islamabad’s help in advancing the Afghan peace process. Regional powers such as China have also pledged to help Afghanistan and Pakistan overcome their longstanding suspicions about each other.

Source: Pakistan Today January 31, 2019 06:33 UTC