According to a report, Taliban's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leaders-abdul-ghani-baradar-and-khalil-ur-rahman-haqqani-involved-in-a-major-dispute-report-413277">Mullah Baradar</a> has been the "principal loser" in the group's new government due to Pakistan's ISI chief General Faiz Hameed's intervention in the cabinet formation which reportedly gave preference to the Haqqani Network.

Britain's The Spectator magazine claimed during the meeting with the ISI chief "tempers flared" as supporters of Baradar clashed with Khalil Haqqani's group, and gunfire was allegedly used although it could not be verified.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/odd-man-out-talibans-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-is-in-times-100-most-influential-list-413408">Also Read:&nbsp;Taliban's Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is in Time’s 100 most influential list</a>

The Spectator said Baradar left Kabul and resurfaced in Khandhar which is the spiritual home of the Taliban. The Taliban leader was allegedly "forced" to read a statement on TV proclaiming loyalty to the group.

The magazine said the whereabouts of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada is still unknown with rumours swirling that he may be dead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-baradar-appears-in-video-refutes-reports-of-him-getting-hurt-413396">Also Read:&nbsp;Taliban's Baradar appears in video, refutes reports of him getting hurt</a>

The report said the Taliban is without a stable head at the top like Mullah Omar who led the group earlier with the influence of the Haqqani Network growing.

The article said Baradar and his others had led the Doha talks, however, Sirajuddin Haqqani who is on the FBI's most-wanted list has openly praised suicide bombers. Khalil Haqqani is close to international terror organisations, the report said and is on the UN sanctions list.

The report claims the Haqqani Network is closely linked to Pakistan and is associated with the "university of jihad" which is the Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa located in Islamabad.

The report cast doubt on the Taliban's ability to run Afghanistan given its complexities even as Pakistan tries to engage with the group.

The magazine added that the Pakistan government hasn't still officially recognised the Taliban even as PM Imran Khan at the SCO meet in China said the country had faced "worst attacks" in the region from cross border terrorism.

The report said PM Imran Khan's statement at the SCO should be viewed in the context of Pakistan's support for terrorist groups in India and the Haqqani Network who it said is "again threatening Kashmir".

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to a report, Taliban's Mullah Baradar has been the "principal loser" in the group's new government due to Pakistan's ISI chief General Faiz Hameed's intervention in the cabinet formation which reportedly gave preference to the Haqqani Network.

According to a report, Taliban's Mullah Baradar has been the "principal loser" in the group's new government due to Pakistan's ISI chief General Faiz Hameed's intervention in the cabinet formation which reportedly gave preference to the Haqqani Network. Britain's The Spectator magazine claimed during the meeting with the ISI chief "tempers flared" as supporters of Baradar clashed with Khalil Haqqani's group, and gunfire was allegedly used although it could not be verified. Also Read: Taliban's Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is in Time’s 100 most influential list The Spectator said Baradar left Kabul and resurfaced in Khandhar which is the spiritual home of the Taliban. The Taliban leader was allegedly "forced" to read a statement on TV proclaiming loyalty to the group. The magazine said the whereabouts of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada is still unknown with rumours swirling that he may be dead. Also Read: Taliban's Baradar appears in video, refutes reports of him getting hurt The report said the Taliban is without a stable head at the top like Mullah Omar who led the group earlier with the influence of the Haqqani Network growing. The article said Baradar and his others had led the Doha talks, however, Sirajuddin Haqqani who is on the FBI's most-wanted list has openly praised suicide bombers. Khalil Haqqani is close to international terror organisations, the report said and is on the UN sanctions list. The report claims the Haqqani Network is closely linked to Pakistan and is associated with the "university of jihad" which is the Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa located in Islamabad. The report cast doubt on the Taliban's ability to run Afghanistan given its complexities even as Pakistan tries to engage with the group. The magazine added that the Pakistan government hasn't still officially recognised the Taliban even as PM Imran Khan at the SCO meet in China said the country had faced "worst attacks" in the region from cross border terrorism. The report said PM Imran Khan's statement at the SCO should be viewed in the context of Pakistan's support for terrorist groups in India and the Haqqani Network who it said is "again threatening Kashmir". (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban's Mullah Baradar's influence fades as Pakistan's ISI backs Haqqani Network: Report

Over a month after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-baradar-appears-in-video-refutes-reports-of-him-getting-hurt-413396">Taliban</a> entered Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a US television channel that the&nbsp;group should be given more time on human rights while adding that Afghan women "will get their rights".

He also sought to defend the Haqqanis, the dreaded terror network, describing them as tribals.&nbsp;Haqqanis, he said are a 'Pashtun tribe living in Afghanistan. They were Mujahideen who were fighting the Soviets. They were born in a Pakistani refugee camp.

The Pakistan prime minister, speaking to CNN, took a dig at US President Joe Biden for not calling him yet, saying,&nbsp;"I would imagine he's very busy", while discussing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Khan said the US-Pakistan ties are&nbsp;not "dependent on a phone call", describing it as a "multidimensional relationship".

Khan claimed Pakistan was being used as a "hired gun" during the war in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-girls-football-players-fled-taliban-rule-for-pakistan-413338">Afghanistan</a> and was&nbsp;"supposed to make the US" win, but it was unsuccessful.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-lawmakers-pressure-biden-to-punish-pakistan-413359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His comments come even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told US lawmakers that the Biden administration is reassessing its relationship with Pakistan.

Blinken had said Pakistan was constantly "hedging" its bets on Afghanistan, however, Khan called the comments "ignorant".

The Pakistan prime minister also refuted claims of "safe havens" for terrorists in the country, asking: "What are these safe havens?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/odd-man-out-taliban-leader-mullah-abdul-ghani-baradar-is-among-time-magazines-list-of-100-most-influential-people-413408">Also Read: Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is among Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people</a>

The Pakistan prime minister said the Afghan border had the "heaviest surveillance by US drones" and that the US authorities would have known about the safe havens. The Pakistan PM said there were "480 drone attacks by the US in Pakistan" which he said was the "only time a country has been attacked by its ally".

Khan claimed in the interview that "Afghanistan could have peace after 40 years" if the Taliban work towards an "inclusive government" and "get all the factions together", however, he cautioned that if it went wrong it would trigger a humanitarian crisis resulting in a refugee problem for Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/arms-trade-and-terror-how-the-pakistan-afghanistan-china-link-was-established-decades-ago-412566">In Pics:&nbsp;How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago</a>

The Pakistan prime minister added the best way to deal with the Taliban was to "engage" with the group and "incentivise" them on women's rights and inclusive government. Imran asserted that a "puppet government" will not be supported by Afghans while calling for international aid for the country.

As Afghanistan struggles to get international aid after Western countries left the country last month, the Pakistan PM said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-have-little-food-to-eat-havent-received-any-money-in-months-report-413170">Taliban</a> should be "pushed" in the right direction.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Over a month after the Taliban entered Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a US television channel that the group should be given more time on human rights while adding that Afghan women "will get their rights".

Over a month after the Taliban entered Kabul, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a US television channel that the group should be given more time on human rights while adding that Afghan women "will get their rights". He also sought to defend the Haqqanis, the dreaded terror network, describing them as tribals. Haqqanis, he said are a 'Pashtun tribe living in Afghanistan. They were Mujahideen who were fighting the Soviets. They were born in a Pakistani refugee camp. The Pakistan prime minister, speaking to CNN, took a dig at US President Joe Biden for not calling him yet, saying, "I would imagine he's very busy", while discussing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Khan said the US-Pakistan ties are not "dependent on a phone call", describing it as a "multidimensional relationship". Khan claimed Pakistan was being used as a "hired gun" during the war in Afghanistan and was "supposed to make the US" win, but it was unsuccessful. Watch: His comments come even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told US lawmakers that the Biden administration is reassessing its relationship with Pakistan. Blinken had said Pakistan was constantly "hedging" its bets on Afghanistan, however, Khan called the comments "ignorant". The Pakistan prime minister also refuted claims of "safe havens" for terrorists in the country, asking: "What are these safe havens?" Also Read: Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is among Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people The Pakistan prime minister said the Afghan border had the "heaviest surveillance by US drones" and that the US authorities would have known about the safe havens. The Pakistan PM said there were "480 drone attacks by the US in Pakistan" which he said was the "only time a country has been attacked by its ally". Khan claimed in the interview that "Afghanistan could have peace after 40 years" if the Taliban work towards an "inclusive government" and "get all the factions together", however, he cautioned that if it went wrong it would trigger a humanitarian crisis resulting in a refugee problem for Pakistan. In Pics: How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago The Pakistan prime minister added the best way to deal with the Taliban was to "engage" with the group and "incentivise" them on women's rights and inclusive government. Imran asserted that a "puppet government" will not be supported by Afghans while calling for international aid for the country. As Afghanistan struggles to get international aid after Western countries left the country last month, the Pakistan PM said the Taliban should be "pushed" in the right direction. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Give them time': Imran Khan defends Taliban again, terms Haqqani terror network a tribal group

A video clip of a Pakistani girl&nbsp;supporting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-fighters-have-little-food-to-eat-havent-received-any-money-in-months-report-413170">Taliban</a> has&nbsp;gone viral on social media. In the video, the girl&nbsp;smiles and claims to support the militant group that took control of Afghanistan a month ago.

But when asked what if the Taliban were to rule over Pakistan, she says, "No, I don't want that."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
She just supports Taliban Govt in Afg, &amp; doesn't want them in her country. 😂 <a href="https://t.co/EG2nX7K3dr">pic.twitter.com/EG2nX7K3dr</a>
— Hizbullah Khan (@HizbkKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HizbkKhan/status/1437392243212656647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan is widely believed to have supported the Taliban since its inception in the 90s. There were anti-Pakistan demonstrations by Afghan women on the streets of Kabul last week as the Taliban announced its new government.

Pakistan's ISI chief Faiz Hameed was in Kabul last week as the Taliban formed its government. Reports later said the ISI chief had held a meeting with intelligence chiefs from China, Iran, Russia and Tajikistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has promised aid to the country as the Taliban tightens its grip over Afghanistan. On Monday, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight landed in Kabul marking the first international commercial flight to land in the country since the US withdrawal last month.

Reports claimed the PIA flight returned to Islamabad with 70 people on board who were mainly relatives of Afghan staffers belonging to international organisations.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Antony Blinken told the foreign affairs committee that the Biden administration is set to reassess its relationship with Pakistan.

Blinken said Pakistan has been "hedging its bets constantly about the future of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/female-students-forced-to-attend-pro-taliban-gatherings-in-head-to-toe-black-robes-at-kabul-university-413034">Afghanistan"</a> while claiming that "it's one that's involved in harbouring members of the Taliban."

The US secretary of state openly told lawmakers that the US government would be looking at Pakistan's role over the last 20 years in Afghanistan and seek to establish the kind of role it would like the Imran Khan government to now play in the coming years.&nbsp;

Social Media courtesy- Twitter:&nbsp;HizbkKhan

(With inputs from Agencies)

A video clip of a Pakistani girl supporting the Taliban has gone viral on social media. In the video, the girl smiles and claims to support the militant group that took control of Afghanistan a month ago.

A video clip of a Pakistani girl supporting the Taliban has gone viral on social media. In the video, the girl smiles and claims to support the militant group that took control of Afghanistan a month ago. But when asked what if the Taliban were to rule over Pakistan, she says, "No, I don't want that." She just supports Taliban Govt in Afg, & doesn't want them in her country. 😂 pic.twitter.com/EG2nX7K3dr — Hizbullah Khan (@HizbkKhan) September 13, 2021 × Pakistan is widely believed to have supported the Taliban since its inception in the 90s. There were anti-Pakistan demonstrations by Afghan women on the streets of Kabul last week as the Taliban announced its new government. Pakistan's ISI chief Faiz Hameed was in Kabul last week as the Taliban formed its government. Reports later said the ISI chief had held a meeting with intelligence chiefs from China, Iran, Russia and Tajikistan. Pakistan has promised aid to the country as the Taliban tightens its grip over Afghanistan. On Monday, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight landed in Kabul marking the first international commercial flight to land in the country since the US withdrawal last month. Reports claimed the PIA flight returned to Islamabad with 70 people on board who were mainly relatives of Afghan staffers belonging to international organisations. Meanwhile, US secretary of state Antony Blinken told the foreign affairs committee that the Biden administration is set to reassess its relationship with Pakistan. Blinken said Pakistan has been "hedging its bets constantly about the future of Afghanistan" while claiming that "it's one that's involved in harbouring members of the Taliban." The US secretary of state openly told lawmakers that the US government would be looking at Pakistan's role over the last 20 years in Afghanistan and seek to establish the kind of role it would like the Imran Khan government to now play in the coming years. Social Media courtesy- Twitter: HizbkKhan (With inputs from Agencies)

Pak girl is 'with the Taliban', but watch reaction when asked if she wants them in her country

US secretary of state, Antony Blinken while testifying in front of the US foreign affairs committee&nbsp;on the hasty American pull-out from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killing-civilians-in-panjshir-valley-says-report-412897">Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;said that the US will be reassessing its ties with Pakistan.

Blinken noted that Pakistan had harboured members of the Taliban before including terrorists from the Haqqani Network. The Taliban has appointed Siajuddin Haqqani as the group's interior minister in the new Afghanistan government.

Blinken told lawmakers that the US planned to reassess its relationship with Pakistan in the coming weeks and the role played by Islamabad over the last 20 years and the role that it would like it to play in the future.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-taliban-pakistan-china-india-braces-for-three-front-threat-412863/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are going to be looking at the role that Pakistan has played over the last 20 years and also the role that we would want to see it playing in the coming years," Blinken said. 
&nbsp; 
The US secretary of state added that Pakistan had a multiplicity of interests including some which were in clear conflict with the US.

Blinken's comments come after Pakistan's intelligence chief visited Kabul as the Taliban announced its new government.

"What we have to look at is an insistence that every country, to include Pakistan, make good on the expectations that the international community has of what is required of a Taliban-led government if it is&nbsp;to receive any legitimacy of any kind or any support," Blinken told the US lawmakers.

Blinken said Pakistan was "hedging its bets constantly about the future of Afghanistan" while adding, "It's&nbsp;one that's involved harbouring members of the Taliban, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-vs-terrorist-al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-claims-credit-for-911-islamic-state-asks-if-he-is-still-alive-412505">Haqqanis</a>,"&nbsp;

"So Pakistan needs to line up with a broad majority of the international community in working toward those ends and in upholding those expectations," the US secretary of state added.

(With inputs from agencies)

US secretary of state, Antony Blinken while testifying in front of the US foreign affairs committee on the hasty American pull-out from Afghanistan said that the US will be reassessing its ties with Pakistan.

US secretary of state, Antony Blinken while testifying in front of the US foreign affairs committee on the hasty American pull-out from Afghanistan said that the US will be reassessing its ties with Pakistan. Blinken noted that Pakistan had harboured members of the Taliban before including terrorists from the Haqqani Network. The Taliban has appointed Siajuddin Haqqani as the group's interior minister in the new Afghanistan government. Blinken told lawmakers that the US planned to reassess its relationship with Pakistan in the coming weeks and the role played by Islamabad over the last 20 years and the role that it would like it to play in the future. Watch: "We are going to be looking at the role that Pakistan has played over the last 20 years and also the role that we would want to see it playing in the coming years," Blinken said. The US secretary of state added that Pakistan had a multiplicity of interests including some which were in clear conflict with the US. Blinken's comments come after Pakistan's intelligence chief visited Kabul as the Taliban announced its new government. "What we have to look at is an insistence that every country, to include Pakistan, make good on the expectations that the international community has of what is required of a Taliban-led government if it is to receive any legitimacy of any kind or any support," Blinken told the US lawmakers. Blinken said Pakistan was "hedging its bets constantly about the future of Afghanistan" while adding, "It's one that's involved harbouring members of the Taliban, including the Haqqanis," "So Pakistan needs to line up with a broad majority of the international community in working toward those ends and in upholding those expectations," the US secretary of state added. (With inputs from agencies)

Will reassess ties with Pakistan, says Blinken to US lawmakers

Arms, trade and terror: How the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China link was established decades ago

Afghan authorities have resumed a controversial release of Taliban inmates, a&nbsp;spokesman said Tuesday, marking an important step toward breaking an impasse that has delayed the start of peace talks for months.

Negotiations were supposed to begin in March but were repeatedly pushed back as the Taliban and the Afghan government squabbled over the prisoner exchange, which included hundreds of battle-hardened terrorists.&nbsp;

"Our prisoners have been released and we see this as a positive step that paves the ground for the start of intra-Afghan talks," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP late Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attacked-a-military-base-in-afghanistan-killing-three-324428" hreflang="en">Taliban attacked a military base in Afghanistan, killing three</a>

Another Taliban official from the group's prison commission said 200 prisoners had been released by Kabul since Monday.&nbsp;

He said in return for their prisoners, the militants had released four Afghan commandos who had been held captive, adding that two more would be freed on Wednesday.

A senior Afghan government official told AFP on condition of anonymity that "dozens" of Taliban prisoners had been released on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-boost-for-intra-afghan-talks-ghani-approves-48-reconciliation-council-members-324048" hreflang="en">In boost for intra-Afghan talks, Ghani approves 48 reconciliation council members</a>

"The remaining prisoners will be released within a couple of days," he said.

Eight of the freed Taliban prisoners were paraded in front of local media in Kandahar, the insurgent bastion.

Final 400 prisoners&nbsp;

Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal in February, Kabul was supposed to free 5,000 militants and the Taliban were meant to free 1,000 Afghan troops.&nbsp;

Both sides met most of their obligations, but Kabul had balked at the release of a final 400 inmates who President Ashraf Ghani himself said were "a danger to the world".

On August 9 thousands of prominent Afghans approved the release of these 400 prisoners, which included many prisoners who had carried out brutal attacks against Afghans and foreigners.

Their release was opposed by officials in Paris and Canberra because those on the list included militants tied to the killing of French and Australian civilians and troops in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

It was not immediately clear if those insurgents were among the prisoners freed since Monday.

Washington has pushed for the release of the imprisoned terrorists.

US President Donald Trump has made ending the war in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and bringing US troops back home a foreign policy priority of his administration.

The Taliban have said they are willing to begin peace talks "within a week" after all 400 prisoners are freed, and blamed Kabul for delaying the negotiations so far.

Afghanistan's State Ministry for Peace Affairs said on Tuesday that authorities had taken all efforts to ensure that peace talks begin soon.

"These efforts have put us closer than ever to the start of direct talks," Najia Anwari, spokeswoman to the ministry, told AFP.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, meanwhile, hailed the resumption of the prisoner release on Twitter as "a positive step" towards peace in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"I hope necessary steps will be taken to pave the way for intra-Afghan talks and that delegations from both sides will meet very soon," he tweeted.

Afghan authorities have resumed a controversial release of Taliban inmates, a spokesman said Tuesday, marking an important step toward breaking an impasse that has delayed the start of peace talks for months.

Afghan authorities have resumed a controversial release of Taliban inmates, a spokesman said Tuesday, marking an important step toward breaking an impasse that has delayed the start of peace talks for months. Negotiations were supposed to begin in March but were repeatedly pushed back as the Taliban and the Afghan government squabbled over the prisoner exchange, which included hundreds of battle-hardened terrorists. "Our prisoners have been released and we see this as a positive step that paves the ground for the start of intra-Afghan talks," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP late Tuesday. Also read: Taliban attacked a military base in Afghanistan, killing three Another Taliban official from the group's prison commission said 200 prisoners had been released by Kabul since Monday. He said in return for their prisoners, the militants had released four Afghan commandos who had been held captive, adding that two more would be freed on Wednesday. A senior Afghan government official told AFP on condition of anonymity that "dozens" of Taliban prisoners had been released on Monday. Also read: In boost for intra-Afghan talks, Ghani approves 48 reconciliation council members "The remaining prisoners will be released within a couple of days," he said. Eight of the freed Taliban prisoners were paraded in front of local media in Kandahar, the insurgent bastion. Final 400 prisoners Under the terms of a US-Taliban deal in February, Kabul was supposed to free 5,000 militants and the Taliban were meant to free 1,000 Afghan troops. Both sides met most of their obligations, but Kabul had balked at the release of a final 400 inmates who President Ashraf Ghani himself said were "a danger to the world". On August 9 thousands of prominent Afghans approved the release of these 400 prisoners, which included many prisoners who had carried out brutal attacks against Afghans and foreigners. Their release was opposed by officials in Paris and Canberra because those on the list included militants tied to the killing of French and Australian civilians and troops in Afghanistan. It was not immediately clear if those insurgents were among the prisoners freed since Monday. Washington has pushed for the release of the imprisoned terrorists. US President Donald Trump has made ending the war in Afghanistan and bringing US troops back home a foreign policy priority of his administration. The Taliban have said they are willing to begin peace talks "within a week" after all 400 prisoners are freed, and blamed Kabul for delaying the negotiations so far. Afghanistan's State Ministry for Peace Affairs said on Tuesday that authorities had taken all efforts to ensure that peace talks begin soon. "These efforts have put us closer than ever to the start of direct talks," Najia Anwari, spokeswoman to the ministry, told AFP. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, meanwhile, hailed the resumption of the prisoner release on Twitter as "a positive step" towards peace in Afghanistan. "I hope necessary steps will be taken to pave the way for intra-Afghan talks and that delegations from both sides will meet very soon," he tweeted.

Kabul resumes Taliban prisoner release, says spokesman Suhail Shaheen

Pakistan's foreign minister urged senior Taliban leaders Tuesday to start delayed peace talks with Kabul, telling them the Afghanistan war has "no military solution" just hours after the insurgents claimed another deadly bombing.

Kabul and the Taliban were supposed to have begun talks in March, but are at loggerheads over a controversial prisoner swap that includes hundreds of militant inmates tied to high-profile attacks conducted over the past 19 years.

"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored Prime Minister Imran Khan's consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a political settlement was the only way forward," the Pakistan foreign ministry said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-invites-sanctioned-taliban-members-to-islamabad-for-talks-322648" hreflang="en">Pakistan invites sanctioned Taliban members to Islamabad for talks</a>

The Islamabad meeting between Qureshi and the Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the group's co-founder who spent eight years in Pakistani custody, came shortly after a suicide bombing near an army base in the northern Afghan province of Balkh.

The Taliban-claimed assault comes amid continued violence in Afghanistan, with insurgents conducting daily attacks across the country and in Kabul.

It killed two civilians and one commando and wounded more than 40 other people, military spokesman for the region Hanif Rezayee said. Many houses were damaged or destroyed and soldiers were helping get victims to safety, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-set-for-intra-afghan-talks-322741" hreflang="en">Taliban set for intra-Afghan talks</a>

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was revenge for a video circulating online that appeared to show Afghan troops desecrating the bodies of Taliban fighters in the south.

Pakistan's foreign ministry released images of Qureshi greeting the Taliban without making physical contact. A similar visit last year drew scorn from Afghan officials when Qureshi and the Taliban were shown smiling and embracing.

Tuesday's greeting was without hugs, apparently to maintain social distancing between the two parties, most of whom were wearing masks.

Tensions remain high between Islamabad and Kabul, with the administration of President Ashraf Ghani frequently lashing out at Pakistan for allegedly sheltering, funding and supplying the Taliban.

Pakistan, which was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime in the 1990s, denies the claims.

Islamabad has said that its influence over the Taliban has encouraged the militants to join talks with the US that culminated in February with a deal that would see foreign military forces quit Afghanistan.

Qureshi "emphasised the implementation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement, in its entirety, paving the way for the earliest possible commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations," the foreign ministry stated.

Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said Pakistan should do more to bring peace.

"Pakistan has so far failed to deliver on its commitments when it comes to peace and stability in Afghanistan," Sediqqi told AFP.

"We expect the Pakistani government to take practical steps and cooperate with the Afghan government and the international community to help bring stability in the region."

The warring Taliban and Afghan government had signalled they were prepared to launch negotiations immediately after the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which ended earlier this month, but the process became bogged down over the prisoner swap.

Both sides have fought for nearly two decades in a conflict that has left tens of thousands of people dead.&nbsp;

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, when it was ousted by a US-led invasion. Ghani condemned Tuesday's attack on the military base and urged the Taliban to begin talks.

Pakistan's foreign minister urged senior Taliban leaders Tuesday to start delayed peace talks with Kabul, telling them the Afghanistan war has "no military solution" just hours after the insurgents claimed another deadly bombing.

Pakistan's foreign minister urged senior Taliban leaders Tuesday to start delayed peace talks with Kabul, telling them the Afghanistan war has "no military solution" just hours after the insurgents claimed another deadly bombing. Kabul and the Taliban were supposed to have begun talks in March, but are at loggerheads over a controversial prisoner swap that includes hundreds of militant inmates tied to high-profile attacks conducted over the past 19 years. "Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored Prime Minister Imran Khan's consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a political settlement was the only way forward," the Pakistan foreign ministry said in a statement. Also read: Pakistan invites sanctioned Taliban members to Islamabad for talks The Islamabad meeting between Qureshi and the Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the group's co-founder who spent eight years in Pakistani custody, came shortly after a suicide bombing near an army base in the northern Afghan province of Balkh. The Taliban-claimed assault comes amid continued violence in Afghanistan, with insurgents conducting daily attacks across the country and in Kabul. It killed two civilians and one commando and wounded more than 40 other people, military spokesman for the region Hanif Rezayee said. Many houses were damaged or destroyed and soldiers were helping get victims to safety, he added. Also read: Taliban set for intra-Afghan talks Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was revenge for a video circulating online that appeared to show Afghan troops desecrating the bodies of Taliban fighters in the south. Pakistan's foreign ministry released images of Qureshi greeting the Taliban without making physical contact. A similar visit last year drew scorn from Afghan officials when Qureshi and the Taliban were shown smiling and embracing. Tuesday's greeting was without hugs, apparently to maintain social distancing between the two parties, most of whom were wearing masks. Tensions remain high between Islamabad and Kabul, with the administration of President Ashraf Ghani frequently lashing out at Pakistan for allegedly sheltering, funding and supplying the Taliban. Pakistan, which was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime in the 1990s, denies the claims. Islamabad has said that its influence over the Taliban has encouraged the militants to join talks with the US that culminated in February with a deal that would see foreign military forces quit Afghanistan. Qureshi "emphasised the implementation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement, in its entirety, paving the way for the earliest possible commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations," the foreign ministry stated. Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said Pakistan should do more to bring peace. "Pakistan has so far failed to deliver on its commitments when it comes to peace and stability in Afghanistan," Sediqqi told AFP. "We expect the Pakistani government to take practical steps and cooperate with the Afghan government and the international community to help bring stability in the region." The warring Taliban and Afghan government had signalled they were prepared to launch negotiations immediately after the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which ended earlier this month, but the process became bogged down over the prisoner swap. Both sides have fought for nearly two decades in a conflict that has left tens of thousands of people dead. The Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, when it was ousted by a US-led invasion. Ghani condemned Tuesday's attack on the military base and urged the Taliban to begin talks.

Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks

Afghanistan has complained to the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) over cross-border rocket firings by Pakistan, raising its concerns to the top UN body.

In a letter sent by the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN, Adela Raz, said,"issue of violations of Afghan territory by Pakistani military forces has continued despite numerous appeals made to the government of Pakistan, bilaterally and through other measures, to cease their illegal and provocative activities in our sovereign territory."

Continuing further, it said, "The government of Afghanistan expresses, once again, its strong condemnation of Pakistan's failure to adhere to its obligations under the principles of the charter of the United Nations, including article 2, as well as the international law and international humanitarian law."

The development comes after Pakistani military forces started cross-border shelling against Afghan posts and residential areas in the Sarakano and Asad Abad districts of northeastern Kunar province bordering Pakistan.&nbsp;

According to the Afghan government, the attacks by Pakistani forces included 12 heavy artillery strikes in Asad Abad district, and more than 160 artillery rounds being fired at Sarakano district. Four personnel of Afghan National Defence and security forces and six civilians died in the attacks. The six civilian deaths included two women. The attack by Pakistani forces also damaged a lot of civilian property.

The Afghan envoy to UN Raz said while the Afghan government is working to de-escalate the situation, "but should this fail, it will call on the Security Council to take measures and actions necessary to bring about an end to the violations."

The letter has been asked to be circulated as a "document" of the Security Council and to be kept as a record for reference if attempts to de-escalate prove "unfruitful".&nbsp;

This is not the first time Kabul has filed a complaint against Pakistan at the UNSC. Last year in February and August, similar complaints were sent by Afghanistan against Pakistan to the UN body.&nbsp;

The development comes even as Afghan peace process gains pace. Pakistani government has been a public supporter of the Taliban, something that is viewed with lot of suspicion in Afghanistan. During the 1990s, Pakistan was among the three global governments to recognise the Taliban as official Afghan government in Kabul.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has complained to the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) over cross-border rocket firings by Pakistan, raising its concerns to the top UN body. In a letter sent by the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN, Adela Raz, said,"issue of violations of Afghan territory by Pakistani military forces has continued despite numerous appeals made to the government of Pakistan, bilaterally and through other measures, to cease their illegal and provocative activities in our sovereign territory.

Afghanistan has complained to the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) over cross-border rocket firings by Pakistan, raising its concerns to the top UN body. In a letter sent by the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN, Adela Raz, said,"issue of violations of Afghan territory by Pakistani military forces has continued despite numerous appeals made to the government of Pakistan, bilaterally and through other measures, to cease their illegal and provocative activities in our sovereign territory." Continuing further, it said, "The government of Afghanistan expresses, once again, its strong condemnation of Pakistan's failure to adhere to its obligations under the principles of the charter of the United Nations, including article 2, as well as the international law and international humanitarian law." The development comes after Pakistani military forces started cross-border shelling against Afghan posts and residential areas in the Sarakano and Asad Abad districts of northeastern Kunar province bordering Pakistan. According to the Afghan government, the attacks by Pakistani forces included 12 heavy artillery strikes in Asad Abad district, and more than 160 artillery rounds being fired at Sarakano district. Four personnel of Afghan National Defence and security forces and six civilians died in the attacks. The six civilian deaths included two women. The attack by Pakistani forces also damaged a lot of civilian property. The Afghan envoy to UN Raz said while the Afghan government is working to de-escalate the situation, "but should this fail, it will call on the Security Council to take measures and actions necessary to bring about an end to the violations." The letter has been asked to be circulated as a "document" of the Security Council and to be kept as a record for reference if attempts to de-escalate prove "unfruitful". This is not the first time Kabul has filed a complaint against Pakistan at the UNSC. Last year in February and August, similar complaints were sent by Afghanistan against Pakistan to the UN body. The development comes even as Afghan peace process gains pace. Pakistani government has been a public supporter of the Taliban, something that is viewed with lot of suspicion in Afghanistan. During the 1990s, Pakistan was among the three global governments to recognise the Taliban as official Afghan government in Kabul.

Afghanistan complains to UNSC over Pakistan's cross-border rocket firings

India will be present at the signing of US-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-expected-to-sign-peace-deal-on-february-29-mike-pompeo-282024">Taliban</a> deal which will be signed on February 29 in Doha. Indian envoy in Doha, Kumaran will be representing India after the invite&nbsp;was sent by the Qatari government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/washington-looks-for-indian-support-ahead-of-taliban-us-deal-282155">Also Read: Washington looks for Indian support ahead of Taliban-US deal</a>

The State Department in a release on February 21 had announced the agreement saying, "We are preparing for the signing to take place on February 29."

The deal hinges on "reduction of violence" and so far no major violence has happened in the landlocked South Asian country.

The State Department&nbsp;in the same release said, "Intra-Afghan negotiations will start soon thereafter, and will build on this fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan."

The Taliban in its release confirmed the development saying, "Both parties will now create a suitable security situation in advance of agreement signing date, extend invitations to senior representatives of numerous countries and organizations to participate in the signing ceremony, make arrangements for the release of prisoners, structure a path for intra-Afghan negotiations with various political parties of the country".

Afghanistan and the US-Taliban peace deal was discussed during US President Donald Trump and&nbsp;PM Modi's meeting in Delhi this week.

US President Donald Trump in response to a question during his Delhi press conference had said, "I think India would like to see it happen. I spoke with Prime Minister Modi today, and I think they would very much like to see it happen."

"And we’re pretty close. We’ll see what’s going on. We’ve got two days now under our belt without violence or, I guess, a minimum of violence. And we’ll see what happens. But people want to see it," the US president had said.

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has&nbsp;built the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and&nbsp;the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

India will be present at the signing of US-Taliban deal which will be signed on February 29 in Doha. Indian envoy in Doha, Kumaran will be representing India after the invite was sent by the Qatari government.

India will be present at the signing of US-Taliban deal which will be signed on February 29 in Doha. Indian envoy in Doha, Kumaran will be representing India after the invite was sent by the Qatari government. Also Read: Washington looks for Indian support ahead of Taliban-US deal The State Department in a release on February 21 had announced the agreement saying, "We are preparing for the signing to take place on February 29." The deal hinges on "reduction of violence" and so far no major violence has happened in the landlocked South Asian country. The State Department in the same release said, "Intra-Afghan negotiations will start soon thereafter, and will build on this fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan." The Taliban in its release confirmed the development saying, "Both parties will now create a suitable security situation in advance of agreement signing date, extend invitations to senior representatives of numerous countries and organizations to participate in the signing ceremony, make arrangements for the release of prisoners, structure a path for intra-Afghan negotiations with various political parties of the country". Afghanistan and the US-Taliban peace deal was discussed during US President Donald Trump and PM Modi's meeting in Delhi this week. US President Donald Trump in response to a question during his Delhi press conference had said, "I think India would like to see it happen. I spoke with Prime Minister Modi today, and I think they would very much like to see it happen." "And we’re pretty close. We’ll see what’s going on. We’ve got two days now under our belt without violence or, I guess, a minimum of violence. And we’ll see what happens. But people want to see it," the US president had said. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

Qatar invites India to be witness in Afghan peace deal in Doha

Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-demand-new-constitution-for-afghanistan-at-rare-talks-195428"> threaten Afghan stability as well </a>as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India, and the US looks to Islamabad to cease behaviour undermining regional stability, a top Pentagon commander said on Tuesday.

During a Congressional hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Commander of the US central Command General Joseph Votel told the lawmakers that Pakistan has taken positive steps to assist Special US Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in facilitating talks with the Taliban.&nbsp;

But Pakistan "has avoided taking any concrete or irreversible steps such as arresting or expelling Taliban leaders who do not cooperate with reconciliation efforts," he said.

"Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-has-no-intention-to-interfere-in-indias-internal-matters-qureshi-after-phone-call-to-mirwaiz-194879"> between Pakistan and India</a>. We look to regional actors such as Pakistan to cease behaviour undermining regional stability and play constructive roles in achieving peace in Afghanistan as well as the whole of South Asia," General Votel said.

"With our strategic focus on reconciliation and regional security, Pakistan has a unique opportunity to make good on its promises of support to US efforts focused on finding a negotiated settlement to the Afghanistan conflict," the US commander said.

He said that if Pakistan plays a positive role in achieving a settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan, "the US will have opportunity and motive to help Pakistan fulfil that role, as peace in the region is the most important mutual priority for the US and Pakistan".

Pakistan, Votel said presents the US with challenges and opportunities in the execution of its South Asia strategy.

As a state possessing nuclear weapons that sits at the nexus of Russian, Chinese, Indian, Iranian, and US geopolitical interests, Pakistan will always be a country of importance to the US, he noted.

"However, Pakistan's actions are often a source of frustration to the US regional efforts in Afghanistan," Votel said.&nbsp;

The Pentagon's posture with Pakistan involves supporting Department of State as they pursue a diplomatic solution with Islamabad to end the conflict in Afghanistan while ensuring that Pakistan's equities are acknowledged and addressed in any future agreement.

Votel told lawmakers that Pakistan has not taken concrete actions against the safe havens of violent extremist organisations or VEOs inside its borders.

"Similarly, VEOs located in Afghanistan conduct attacks inside Pakistan. This cross-border instability and violence generates tension along both sides of the border," he said.

"The suspension of US security assistance funds to Pakistan remains in place. Meanwhile, some US Pakistan military cooperation activities have continued, demonstrating the importance of military cooperation, despite challenges in the bilateral relationship," the top American Commander said.

Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India, and the US looks to Islamabad to cease behaviour undermining regional stability, a top Pentagon commander said on Tuesday.

Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India, and the US looks to Islamabad to cease behaviour undermining regional stability, a top Pentagon commander said on Tuesday. During a Congressional hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Commander of the US central Command General Joseph Votel told the lawmakers that Pakistan has taken positive steps to assist Special US Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in facilitating talks with the Taliban. But Pakistan "has avoided taking any concrete or irreversible steps such as arresting or expelling Taliban leaders who do not cooperate with reconciliation efforts," he said. "Militants operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to threaten Afghan stability as well as stoke tensions between Pakistan and India. We look to regional actors such as Pakistan to cease behaviour undermining regional stability and play constructive roles in achieving peace in Afghanistan as well as the whole of South Asia," General Votel said. "With our strategic focus on reconciliation and regional security, Pakistan has a unique opportunity to make good on its promises of support to US efforts focused on finding a negotiated settlement to the Afghanistan conflict," the US commander said. He said that if Pakistan plays a positive role in achieving a settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan, "the US will have opportunity and motive to help Pakistan fulfil that role, as peace in the region is the most important mutual priority for the US and Pakistan". Pakistan, Votel said presents the US with challenges and opportunities in the execution of its South Asia strategy. As a state possessing nuclear weapons that sits at the nexus of Russian, Chinese, Indian, Iranian, and US geopolitical interests, Pakistan will always be a country of importance to the US, he noted. "However, Pakistan's actions are often a source of frustration to the US regional efforts in Afghanistan," Votel said. The Pentagon's posture with Pakistan involves supporting Department of State as they pursue a diplomatic solution with Islamabad to end the conflict in Afghanistan while ensuring that Pakistan's equities are acknowledged and addressed in any future agreement. Votel told lawmakers that Pakistan has not taken concrete actions against the safe havens of violent extremist organisations or VEOs inside its borders. "Similarly, VEOs located in Afghanistan conduct attacks inside Pakistan. This cross-border instability and violence generates tension along both sides of the border," he said. "The suspension of US security assistance funds to Pakistan remains in place. Meanwhile, some US Pakistan military cooperation activities have continued, demonstrating the importance of military cooperation, despite challenges in the bilateral relationship," the top American Commander said.

Pakistan should cease undermining regional stability: US commander Votel to lawmakers

As the United States and Taliban plan&nbsp;an expected pact that can <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/priority-is-to-end-afghan-war-peace-negotiations-will-continue-white-house-spokesperson-193660">pave way for American withdrawal</a> from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been playing an important role as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-stay-longer-than-necessary-in-afghanistan-nato-chief-193642">development partner in the war-torn country </a>and has provided aid worth more than $3 billion besides constructing the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province.&nbsp;

While New Delhi has not officially reacted, former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha has said the clock could be turned back.

Speaking to WION he said, "On the face of it this agreement has the flavour of being pushed by an impatient Washington on the one hand, and a patient and confident Rawalpindi on the other. &nbsp;In the process, interests of Afghan civilians and the democratic constituency built over the last 18 years is being sacrificed. The clock is being turned back."

Sinha added, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil &nbsp;is in the details."

Sinha along with India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghava represented India "non-officially" at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year. Taliban was also present at the talks.&nbsp;

In January, alone a number of ministerial meets happened between India and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of the first India-Central Asia dialogue.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, calling the pact a "big deal" since it represented the "first formal attempt to chart a way forward", Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Center suggested caution when it comes to dealing with Taliban.&nbsp;

He said, "There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully."

On India, Kugelman said "these talks are a reminder" that New Delhi's say in Afghanistan's future, "at least for now, is limited."&nbsp;

Explaining further, he said "India is a key regional player" but for now "it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

As the United States and Taliban plan an expected pact that can pave way for American withdrawal from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications.

As the United States and Taliban plan an expected pact that can pave way for American withdrawal from the south Asian country after 17 years, many including New Delhi are keenly watching the developments that can have huge ramifications. New Delhi has been playing an important role as a development partner in the war-torn country and has provided aid worth more than $3 billion besides constructing the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province. While New Delhi has not officially reacted, former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha has said the clock could be turned back. Speaking to WION he said, "On the face of it this agreement has the flavour of being pushed by an impatient Washington on the one hand, and a patient and confident Rawalpindi on the other. In the process, interests of Afghan civilians and the democratic constituency built over the last 18 years is being sacrificed. The clock is being turned back." Sinha added, "We have seen only the outlines of a framework agreement and have also heard US Special Representative say that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed". But we all know "the devil is in the details." Sinha along with India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghava represented India "non-officially" at the Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year. Taliban was also present at the talks. In January, alone a number of ministerial meets happened between India and Afghanistan. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib was in Delhi in early January and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani in Samarkand, Uzbekistan a few weeks ago on the sidelines of the first India-Central Asia dialogue. Meanwhile, calling the pact a "big deal" since it represented the "first formal attempt to chart a way forward", Michael Kugelman South Asia senior associate at The Wilson Center suggested caution when it comes to dealing with Taliban. He said, "There have been many meetings between the US and Taliban in the past, but not until now have they formally pledged to address each other’s demands. Could all this progress come crashing down? Certainly. At the end of the day, if the Taliban doesn’t like what’s on the table, it could easily break off the dialogue and fully redirect its attention to the battlefield. That’s why the talks that take place in the coming days will need to be carried out carefully." On India, Kugelman said "these talks are a reminder" that New Delhi's say in Afghanistan's future, "at least for now, is limited." Explaining further, he said "India is a key regional player" but for now "it is left on the outside looking in and hoping that the result, whatever it is, doesn’t risk further instability for its Afghan friend."

Clock could be turned back, says India's ex-ambassador to Afghanistan Sinha on US-Taliban talks

Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and US officials met on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-set-to-restart-afghan-peace-process-without-india-21220">behind closed door to restart the Quadrilateral Coordination Group</a>(QCG) talks on kick-starting the Afganistan peace process in Muscat with the Taliban boycotting the meeting altogether.

The meeting was led by Pakistan&#39;s foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, US assistant secretary of state Alice Wells and Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai.

The QCG is a four-nation group comprising of Afganistan, Pakistan, China and the US tasked to restart the peace process in Afghanistan.

Pakistan&#39;s foreign minister Khawaja Asif had told Washington last week that Pakistan is ready to bring the Taliban and Afghan government to the negotiating table through the quadrilateral peace process.&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign minister Asif was in the US to assure Trump government officials about his country&#39;s intent in Afganistan.

Pakistan has big stakes in Afganistan which seems to be slipping from its hand after President Trump emphatically laid down his strategy accusing the country of offering a safe haven to &quot;agents of chaos&quot;.&nbsp;

Trump openly called for more troop deployment in Afghanistan and spoke about India&#39;s role in the country.

In a statement, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said that the quadrilateral meeting would improve Kabul and Islamabad&rsquo;s relationship.

&ldquo;Afghanistan-Pakistan relations will be discussed at the meeting and the results will be released,&rdquo; Afghanistan&#39;s Tolo News quoted him as saying.

The latest peace moves in Afganistan comes with the US exerting pressure on Pakistan to do more.

Just last week Pakistan commandos helped free an American family from the clutches of the Taliban which was praised by President Trump.

Pakistani officials, however, told Reuters that talks had resumed due to their initiative.&nbsp;

The group did not release any official statement and none of the players divulged any detail of the meeting. 
&nbsp;

The QCG is a four-nation group comprising of Afganistan, Pakistan, China and the US tasked to restart the peace process in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and US officials met on Monday behind closed door to restart the Quadrilateral Coordination Group(QCG) talks on kick-starting the Afganistan peace process in Muscat with the Taliban boycotting the meeting altogether. The meeting was led by Pakistan's foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, US assistant secretary of state Alice Wells and Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai. The QCG is a four-nation group comprising of Afganistan, Pakistan, China and the US tasked to restart the peace process in Afghanistan. Pakistan's foreign minister Khawaja Asif had told Washington last week that Pakistan is ready to bring the Taliban and Afghan government to the negotiating table through the quadrilateral peace process. Pakistan foreign minister Asif was in the US to assure Trump government officials about his country's intent in Afganistan. Pakistan has big stakes in Afganistan which seems to be slipping from its hand after President Trump emphatically laid down his strategy accusing the country of offering a safe haven to "agents of chaos". Trump openly called for more troop deployment in Afghanistan and spoke about India's role in the country. In a statement, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said that the quadrilateral meeting would improve Kabul and Islamabad’s relationship. “Afghanistan-Pakistan relations will be discussed at the meeting and the results will be released,” Afghanistan's Tolo News quoted him as saying. The latest peace moves in Afganistan comes with the US exerting pressure on Pakistan to do more. Just last week Pakistan commandos helped free an American family from the clutches of the Taliban which was praised by President Trump. Pakistani officials, however, told Reuters that talks had resumed due to their initiative. The group did not release any official statement and none of the players divulged any detail of the meeting.

Pakistan, China, US meet on Afghanistan, without Taliban