The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Whatever is happening in Doha will have a significant impact in Kabul, Islamabad and New Delhi. Watch report:

What role will India and Pakistan play in US-Afghan peace talks

The US Taliban peace deal will be signed in Doha tomorrow and both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Watch WION ground report from Doha:

US-Taliban peace talks on Feb 29, India and Pakistan invited

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Pakistani PM Imran Khan is already in Qatar ahead of the deal. Watch ground report:

India invited to witness US-Taliban peace deal in Doha

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has received top US and NATO representatives in Kabul and was briefed about the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday.

"Yesterday, President Ghani met with Ross Wilson, Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Afghanistan, and General Scott Miller, Commander of the NATO Resolute Support mission. At the meeting, General Scott Miller briefed President Ghani on his trip to Qatar last week," Sediqqi said in a tweet that was accompanied by a photograph of the meeting.

According to Sediqqi, Miller also informed the President of a possible upcoming visit from US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in the event of progress in negotiations with the Taliban.

"General Miller said that talks between Zalmay Khalilzad, the Special Representative of the US State Department and the Taliban are going on and in the event of any progress, Khalilzad will travel to Kabul and present information to the Afghan government," the spokesperson added.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had earlier this week had said that Khalilzad and Miller held talks with senior Taliban officials in Doha, where the movement maintains a political office.

Last week, in an interview with Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn', Shaheen said that the US was close to signing a peace deal with the Taliban in January itself.

He also said that the sides had already agreed to reduce "military operations".

Since 2018, Washington and the Taliban have been attempting to negotiate a peace deal that would ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops in exchange for the movement's guarantee that the country would not become a safe haven for terrorists.

Last September, US President Donald Trump called off the talks with the group after a US service member was killed in an attack in Afghanistan. However, Trump announced the resumption of the negotiations in late November during his visit to Afghanistan.

 
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Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has received top US and NATO representatives in Kabul and was briefed about the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has received top US and NATO representatives in Kabul and was briefed about the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday. "Yesterday, President Ghani met with Ross Wilson, Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Afghanistan, and General Scott Miller, Commander of the NATO Resolute Support mission. At the meeting, General Scott Miller briefed President Ghani on his trip to Qatar last week," Sediqqi said in a tweet that was accompanied by a photograph of the meeting. According to Sediqqi, Miller also informed the President of a possible upcoming visit from US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in the event of progress in negotiations with the Taliban. "General Miller said that talks between Zalmay Khalilzad, the Special Representative of the US State Department and the Taliban are going on and in the event of any progress, Khalilzad will travel to Kabul and present information to the Afghan government," the spokesperson added. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen had earlier this week had said that Khalilzad and Miller held talks with senior Taliban officials in Doha, where the movement maintains a political office. Last week, in an interview with Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn', Shaheen said that the US was close to signing a peace deal with the Taliban in January itself. He also said that the sides had already agreed to reduce "military operations". Since 2018, Washington and the Taliban have been attempting to negotiate a peace deal that would ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops in exchange for the movement's guarantee that the country would not become a safe haven for terrorists. Last September, US President Donald Trump called off the talks with the group after a US service member was killed in an attack in Afghanistan. However, Trump announced the resumption of the negotiations in late November during his visit to Afghanistan.

Afghan President briefed by US officials on peace talks with Taliban

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-special-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-briefs-pakistan-on-taliban-peace-talks-268258">Taliban peace talks</a> that were put to rest after a suicide attack was carried out last week by the Taliban near a US airbase. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-braces-for-political-uncertainty-in-elections-wake-254388">Mujib&nbsp;Rahman Rahimi</a>, Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan informed about Khalilzad's visit in the war-torn country to resume the stalled negotiations of the Afghan peace talks, reported Tolo news. 
 
Earlier, United States negotiators took a brief pause from the talks with the Taliban in the wake of a suicide attack carried out by the group near US airbase in Afghanistan that claimed two lives. 
 
Last week, Khalilzad was in Islamabad to discuss the latest development of the Afghan peace talks with Pakistan. 
 
The earlier negotiation between the two sides was called off by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-announces-a-pause-in-peace-talks-with-taliban-after-airbase-attack-267989">Donald Trump</a> over repeated attacks by the group, even an agreement had been reached upon "in principle" the two sides.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the Taliban peace talks that were put to rest after a suicide attack was carried out last week by the Taliban near a US airbase.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the Taliban peace talks that were put to rest after a suicide attack was carried out last week by the Taliban near a US airbase. Mujib Rahman Rahimi, Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan informed about Khalilzad's visit in the war-torn country to resume the stalled negotiations of the Afghan peace talks, reported Tolo news. Earlier, United States negotiators took a brief pause from the talks with the Taliban in the wake of a suicide attack carried out by the group near US airbase in Afghanistan that claimed two lives. Last week, Khalilzad was in Islamabad to discuss the latest development of the Afghan peace talks with Pakistan. The earlier negotiation between the two sides was called off by US President Donald Trump over repeated attacks by the group, even an agreement had been reached upon "in principle" the two sides.

US peace envoy Khalilzad in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders over peace talks

US, Taliban peace talks end in Pakistan. Watch this video to know more.

US, Taliban peace talks end in Pakistan

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">collapse of US–Taliban talks</a> is an untimely setback for Pakistan, which had hoped its efforts to bring the militants to the table would be rewarded with an economic boost and American support over Kashmir.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised to issue a rallying cry at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week over India's moves in the Himalayan region, which he has described as ethnic cleansing, and warned of "impending genocide".

But Pakistan, long condemned for its support for militant groups, needs political capital if it is to sway a global community that has been historically reluctant to challenge New Delhi over Kashmir.

Helping the United States with its fervent wish to leave Afghanistan after nearly 18 years of war was widely seen as an opportunity to get back into Washington's good books after years of being accused of duplicity.

For a brief moment in July, it appeared to be working.

President Donald Trump delighted Khan in Washington by declaring his willingness to mediate on Kashmir.

New Delhi repeated its position that Kashmir is a purely bilateral issue with Islamabad and dismissed the possibility of foreign mediation, but still, Pakistan's star once again appeared on the rise in Washington.

The relief was short-lived.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government abrogated article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The move ignited outrage in Pakistan. And as Islamabad scrambled to win international support for its position on Kashmir, in a separate twist, Trump abruptly called off talks with the Taliban, blowing up nearly a year of painstaking efforts to secure a deal that would have seen the beginning of US troop withdrawal.

Pakistan has for years called for a political solution in Afghanistan and had used its influence over the Taliban to help facilitate talks with the United States, hoping a successful outcome would help generate diplomatic capital.

"Until Pakistan gets Afghanistan settled, they are not going to find it easy to respond to India's action in Kashmir so they are certainly in a bit of a bind," Expert Myra MacDonald told AFP.

Khan told reporters last week that he will meet with the US President on Monday to urge a resumption of talks with the Taliban.

Khan will take zero comfort from Trump’s beaming participation in a massive "Howdy Modi" rally in Texas on Sunday, during which the Indian leader offered a staunch and unchallenged defence of his move in Kashmir and took several, thinly-veiled swipes at Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism.

Trump told the 50,000 crowd of mostly Indian-Americans that Modi was doing an "exceptional job".

Tough times

The talks collapse comes at an especially delicate time in Pakistan, where frustrations are mounting just a year into Khan's rule with the economy under immense stress, and officials are struggling to raise revenues while slashing spending under an International Monetary Fund bailout agreement.

They are also bracing for a decision next month by the Financial Action Task Force, an anti-money-laundering monitor based in Paris that has threatened to blacklist Pakistan for failing to combat terror financing.

"Pakistan remains in dire financial straits and could really use some goodwill from the US and its allies," Graeme Smith, a consultant with International Crisis Group, told AFP.

The end of the Taliban talks, and the sudden uncertainty about how Islamabad is viewed by the mercurial Trump administration suggest American help in easing Pakistan's financial pain may be difficult to come by.

"Pakistan has invested a lot in these talks," said analyst Zahid Hussain.

"This abrupt ending... is a setback."

'Considerable influence'

Khan now faces the unsavoury task of weathering increased pressure from a White House more interested in Afghanistan than Kashmir.

Kabul and Washington have long accused Pakistan of sheltering and supporting the Taliban, an allegation it denies.

Security expert Rahimullah Yusufzai said that with talks off, Washington is likely to increase pressure on Islamabad once against to clamp down on the Taliban.

The militant group has vowed more violence but left the door open for talks, while the US has insisted they meet certain conditions first.

"It will be a 'do more' sort of situation" for Pakistan, Yusufzai explained.

But Pakistani military expert Ayesha Siddiqa argued that Islamabad still has a card to play.

"They have considerable influence to talk to the Taliban if not to make them act totally according to Islamabad's wishes," she said.

"They can try to convince them." 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The collapse of US–Taliban talks is an untimely setback for Pakistan, which had hoped its efforts to bring the militants to the table would be rewarded with an economic boost and American support over Kashmir.

The collapse of US–Taliban talks is an untimely setback for Pakistan, which had hoped its efforts to bring the militants to the table would be rewarded with an economic boost and American support over Kashmir. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised to issue a rallying cry at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week over India's moves in the Himalayan region, which he has described as ethnic cleansing, and warned of "impending genocide". But Pakistan, long condemned for its support for militant groups, needs political capital if it is to sway a global community that has been historically reluctant to challenge New Delhi over Kashmir. Helping the United States with its fervent wish to leave Afghanistan after nearly 18 years of war was widely seen as an opportunity to get back into Washington's good books after years of being accused of duplicity. For a brief moment in July, it appeared to be working. President Donald Trump delighted Khan in Washington by declaring his willingness to mediate on Kashmir. New Delhi repeated its position that Kashmir is a purely bilateral issue with Islamabad and dismissed the possibility of foreign mediation, but still, Pakistan's star once again appeared on the rise in Washington. The relief was short-lived. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government abrogated article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The move ignited outrage in Pakistan. And as Islamabad scrambled to win international support for its position on Kashmir, in a separate twist, Trump abruptly called off talks with the Taliban, blowing up nearly a year of painstaking efforts to secure a deal that would have seen the beginning of US troop withdrawal. Pakistan has for years called for a political solution in Afghanistan and had used its influence over the Taliban to help facilitate talks with the United States, hoping a successful outcome would help generate diplomatic capital. "Until Pakistan gets Afghanistan settled, they are not going to find it easy to respond to India's action in Kashmir so they are certainly in a bit of a bind," Expert Myra MacDonald told AFP. Khan told reporters last week that he will meet with the US President on Monday to urge a resumption of talks with the Taliban. Khan will take zero comfort from Trump’s beaming participation in a massive "Howdy Modi" rally in Texas on Sunday, during which the Indian leader offered a staunch and unchallenged defence of his move in Kashmir and took several, thinly-veiled swipes at Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism. Trump told the 50,000 crowd of mostly Indian-Americans that Modi was doing an "exceptional job". Tough times The talks collapse comes at an especially delicate time in Pakistan, where frustrations are mounting just a year into Khan's rule with the economy under immense stress, and officials are struggling to raise revenues while slashing spending under an International Monetary Fund bailout agreement. They are also bracing for a decision next month by the Financial Action Task Force, an anti-money-laundering monitor based in Paris that has threatened to blacklist Pakistan for failing to combat terror financing. "Pakistan remains in dire financial straits and could really use some goodwill from the US and its allies," Graeme Smith, a consultant with International Crisis Group, told AFP. The end of the Taliban talks, and the sudden uncertainty about how Islamabad is viewed by the mercurial Trump administration suggest American help in easing Pakistan's financial pain may be difficult to come by. "Pakistan has invested a lot in these talks," said analyst Zahid Hussain. "This abrupt ending... is a setback." 'Considerable influence' Khan now faces the unsavoury task of weathering increased pressure from a White House more interested in Afghanistan than Kashmir. Kabul and Washington have long accused Pakistan of sheltering and supporting the Taliban, an allegation it denies. Security expert Rahimullah Yusufzai said that with talks off, Washington is likely to increase pressure on Islamabad once against to clamp down on the Taliban. The militant group has vowed more violence but left the door open for talks, while the US has insisted they meet certain conditions first. "It will be a 'do more' sort of situation" for Pakistan, Yusufzai explained. But Pakistani military expert Ayesha Siddiqa argued that Islamabad still has a card to play. "They have considerable influence to talk to the Taliban if not to make them act totally according to Islamabad's wishes," she said. "They can try to convince them."

Collapse of US-Taliban talks an awkward blow for Pakistan

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said.

The meeting comes after US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">Trump's eleventh-hour cancellation </a>earlier this month of the negotiations between his country and the Taliban, which many had hoped would pave the way to a broader peace deal with the Afghan government and ending a 17-year war.

The Taliban's nine-member delegation travelled to Beijing and met Deng Xijun, China's special representative for Afghanistan, said Suhail Shaheen, the Afghan group's spokesman in Qatar, on his official Twitter account.

Qatar was where the Taliban and the United States held peace talks over the past year.

"The Chinese special representative said the US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue and they support it," Shaheen wrote.

Mullah Baradar, the Taliban delegation's leader, said they had held a dialogue and reached a "comprehensive deal", Shaheen tweeted.

"Now, if the US president cannot stay committed to his words and breaks his promise, then he is responsible for any kind of distraction and bloodshed in Afghanistan," Baradar said, according to Shaheen.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment, sent outside its usual operating hours. Chinese officials in Kabul also did not immediately respond to a messaged request for comment.

Afghanistan will this coming week hold its fourth presidential elections since US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power in 2001.

Those elections have gained importance since the collapse of the peace talks, as the negotiations could have led to the creation of an interim government, now a more distant prospect.

In June, before the peace talks fell apart, another Taliban team went to China to meet with the government.

At the time, a foreign ministry spokesman said China supports Afghans resolving their problems themselves through talks, and the visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks.

China's far western Chinese region of Xinjiang shares a short border with Afghanistan.

China has long worried about links between militant groups and what it says are Islamist extremists operating in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people, who speak a Turkic language.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is also using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said.

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said. The meeting comes after US President Donald Trump's eleventh-hour cancellation earlier this month of the negotiations between his country and the Taliban, which many had hoped would pave the way to a broader peace deal with the Afghan government and ending a 17-year war. The Taliban's nine-member delegation travelled to Beijing and met Deng Xijun, China's special representative for Afghanistan, said Suhail Shaheen, the Afghan group's spokesman in Qatar, on his official Twitter account. Qatar was where the Taliban and the United States held peace talks over the past year. "The Chinese special representative said the US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue and they support it," Shaheen wrote. Mullah Baradar, the Taliban delegation's leader, said they had held a dialogue and reached a "comprehensive deal", Shaheen tweeted. "Now, if the US president cannot stay committed to his words and breaks his promise, then he is responsible for any kind of distraction and bloodshed in Afghanistan," Baradar said, according to Shaheen. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment, sent outside its usual operating hours. Chinese officials in Kabul also did not immediately respond to a messaged request for comment. Afghanistan will this coming week hold its fourth presidential elections since US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power in 2001. Those elections have gained importance since the collapse of the peace talks, as the negotiations could have led to the creation of an interim government, now a more distant prospect. In June, before the peace talks fell apart, another Taliban team went to China to meet with the government. At the time, a foreign ministry spokesman said China supports Afghans resolving their problems themselves through talks, and the visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks. China's far western Chinese region of Xinjiang shares a short border with Afghanistan. China has long worried about links between militant groups and what it says are Islamist extremists operating in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people, who speak a Turkic language. China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is also using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

Afghanistan's Taliban meets Chinese government in Beijing

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">US-Taliban</a> talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops.

Last week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US-Taliban talks collapsed</a> and fighting resurged.

The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">American troops from Afghanistan</a> in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

"In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media.

Mousavi did not give further details.

The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan.

Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants.

But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that.

In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this.

Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there.

Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed.

Iran held talks with a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, a week after peace talks between the United States and the Islamist insurgents collapsed. Iran said in December it had been meeting with Taliban representatives with the knowledge of the Afghan government after reports of US-Taliban talks about a ceasefire and a possible withdrawal of foreign troops. Last week, the US-Taliban talks collapsed and fighting resurged. The two sides had been seeking to reach an accord on the withdrawal of thousands of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. "In the framework of Iran's comprehensive consultations with all parties in Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation visited our country recently to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with Iranian officials," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by state media. Mousavi did not give further details. The US-Taliban negotiations, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended as a prelude to wider peace talks to end more than 40 years of war in Afghanistan. Majority Shi’ite Muslim Iran has long had close ties to Shi’ite groups in neighbouring Afghanistan whose militias have fought the Taliban’s Sunni Muslim militants. But last year, Afghan government officials accused Tehran, which the United States says is trying to extend its influence in western Afghanistan, of providing the Taliban with money, weapons and explosives. Iran denies that. In October, the United States accused Iran of providing military training, financing and weapons to the Taliban. Tehran denied this. Iran was at odds with the Taliban for most of the time the group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and massed troops on the border in 1998 after 11 of its diplomats were killed there. Tehran then armed factions that helped US-led forces overthrow the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Iran says it held talks with Afghanistan's Taliban

Paksitan PM Imran Khan said that Pakistan cannot be blamed

U.S Blaming Pakistan for failed peace talks

Huge Setback For Peace Process In Afghanistan.

Gravitas: Peace Talks Between U.S. And Taliban Cancelled

Here's Why The Afghan Peace Process Failed.

Gravitas: Afghan Peace Talks: Why It Fell Apart

The United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-say-us-will-be-harmed-more-than-anyone-after-trump-halts-talks-248470">Afghanistan's Taliban</a> on Sunday both left the door open to fresh talks after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled</a> a secret summit, but the insurgents warned of inflicting greater costs.

The United States also said it would not relent in fighting the militants as Trump cited a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier for scuttling the unprecedented meeting.

Trump said he had invited Taliban leaders, as well as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, for talks Sunday at the presidential retreat of Camp David on a draft deal that would see the United States pull out thousands of troops and wind down its longest-ever war.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a series of television interviews Sunday, did not rule out a return to talks but said the United States needed a "significant commitment" from the Taliban.

"I'm not pessimistic," Pompeo told NBC. "I've watched the Taliban do things and say things they've not been permitted to do before."

"I hope it's the case the Taliban will change their behavior," he said on ABC.&nbsp;

"In the end, this will be resolved through a series of conversations," he added, urging the Taliban to drop its long-running refusal to negotiate with Ghani's internationally recognized government.

He said that Trump had not decided whether to go ahead with a withdrawal, which under the draft deal would pull 5,000 of the roughly 13,000 US troops from Afghanistan next year.

But he warned that the United States was also inflicting a toll on the Taliban, saying that US forces had killed more than 1,000 insurgents in the past 10 days alone.

"If the Taliban don't behave, if they don't deliver on the commitments they made to us for weeks and in some cases months, the president of the United States is not going to reduce the pressure," Pompeo said on CNN.

'Americans will be harmed'

Veteran US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad had spent a year meeting with the Taliban, who confirmed that they considered the deal finished.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Trump showed "neither experience nor patience."

"Americans will be harmed more than any other" by Trump's decision, a Taliban statement warned.

US "credibility will be harmed, their anti-peace stance will become more visible to the world, their casualties and financial losses will increase, and the US role in international political interaction will be discredited even further," it said.

But the spokesman said that the Taliban still believe "that the American side will come back to this position" of talks that seek "the complete end of the occupation."

The office of Ghani, whose government is rejected by the Taliban as illegitimate, cautiously saluted the "sincere efforts of its allies" after Trump called off the summit.

The Afghan presidency in a statement also "insisted that a real peace can only be achieved if the Taliban stop killing Afghans and accept a ceasefire, and face-to-face talks with the Afghan government."

Trump's dramatic about-face came weeks before Afghanistan holds presidential elections, raising fears that the Taliban will step up their campaign of violence to disrupt voting.

Criticism ahead of 9/11

Trump relishes dramatic gestures, such as meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the idea of inviting Taliban leaders to US soil still stunned Washington.

The would-be talks angered even some allies of Trump, who noted that the Taliban would be visiting three days before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which triggered the US invasion of Afghanistan.

"Camp David is where America's leaders met to plan our response after Al-Qaeda, supported by the Taliban, killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11. No member of the Taliban should set foot there. Ever," tweeted Liz Cheney, a Republican congresswoman and daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney.

Considering Trump's penchant for bombast, some questioned if the summit was even set to take place.

"I'm still looking for confirmation an actual, physical trip to Camp David was planned," Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro told CNN, while adding: "It's very odd to invite a terrorist organization like that to Camp David."

Pompeo said that Trump had said of the Taliban, "I want to look them in the eyes, I want to see if we can get to the final outcome that we need so we could sign off on the deal."

On the eve of the canceled summit, Pompeo traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the return of the remains of the US soldier killed in Kabul, Elis Barreto Ortiz.

The United States and Afghanistan's Taliban on Sunday both left the door open to fresh talks after President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a secret summit, but the insurgents warned of inflicting greater costs.

The United States and Afghanistan's Taliban on Sunday both left the door open to fresh talks after President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a secret summit, but the insurgents warned of inflicting greater costs. The United States also said it would not relent in fighting the militants as Trump cited a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier for scuttling the unprecedented meeting. Trump said he had invited Taliban leaders, as well as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, for talks Sunday at the presidential retreat of Camp David on a draft deal that would see the United States pull out thousands of troops and wind down its longest-ever war. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a series of television interviews Sunday, did not rule out a return to talks but said the United States needed a "significant commitment" from the Taliban. "I'm not pessimistic," Pompeo told NBC. "I've watched the Taliban do things and say things they've not been permitted to do before." "I hope it's the case the Taliban will change their behavior," he said on ABC. "In the end, this will be resolved through a series of conversations," he added, urging the Taliban to drop its long-running refusal to negotiate with Ghani's internationally recognized government. He said that Trump had not decided whether to go ahead with a withdrawal, which under the draft deal would pull 5,000 of the roughly 13,000 US troops from Afghanistan next year. But he warned that the United States was also inflicting a toll on the Taliban, saying that US forces had killed more than 1,000 insurgents in the past 10 days alone. "If the Taliban don't behave, if they don't deliver on the commitments they made to us for weeks and in some cases months, the president of the United States is not going to reduce the pressure," Pompeo said on CNN. 'Americans will be harmed' Veteran US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad had spent a year meeting with the Taliban, who confirmed that they considered the deal finished. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Trump showed "neither experience nor patience." "Americans will be harmed more than any other" by Trump's decision, a Taliban statement warned. US "credibility will be harmed, their anti-peace stance will become more visible to the world, their casualties and financial losses will increase, and the US role in international political interaction will be discredited even further," it said. But the spokesman said that the Taliban still believe "that the American side will come back to this position" of talks that seek "the complete end of the occupation." The office of Ghani, whose government is rejected by the Taliban as illegitimate, cautiously saluted the "sincere efforts of its allies" after Trump called off the summit. The Afghan presidency in a statement also "insisted that a real peace can only be achieved if the Taliban stop killing Afghans and accept a ceasefire, and face-to-face talks with the Afghan government." Trump's dramatic about-face came weeks before Afghanistan holds presidential elections, raising fears that the Taliban will step up their campaign of violence to disrupt voting. Criticism ahead of 9/11 Trump relishes dramatic gestures, such as meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the idea of inviting Taliban leaders to US soil still stunned Washington. The would-be talks angered even some allies of Trump, who noted that the Taliban would be visiting three days before the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which triggered the US invasion of Afghanistan. "Camp David is where America's leaders met to plan our response after Al-Qaeda, supported by the Taliban, killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11. No member of the Taliban should set foot there. Ever," tweeted Liz Cheney, a Republican congresswoman and daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney. Considering Trump's penchant for bombast, some questioned if the summit was even set to take place. "I'm still looking for confirmation an actual, physical trip to Camp David was planned," Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro told CNN, while adding: "It's very odd to invite a terrorist organization like that to Camp David." Pompeo said that Trump had said of the Taliban, "I want to look them in the eyes, I want to see if we can get to the final outcome that we need so we could sign off on the deal." On the eve of the canceled summit, Pompeo traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the return of the remains of the US soldier killed in Kabul, Elis Barreto Ortiz.

US, Taliban keep open door to talks after summit scrapped

Peace talks called off over Kabul attack by U.S. President Donald Trump. Watch this video to know more.

Peace talks called off over Kabul attack by U.S. President Donald Trump

U.S President Donald Trump has called off peace talks with the Taliban just after the terror group claimed responsibility of a car bomb attack

Trump calls off peace talks with Taliban

WION Exclusively speaks to Najib Sharifi, a strategic expert from Kabul over U.S. President Donald Trump's talks call off over Kabul blast.

WION Exclusive | In conversation with Najib Sharifi, a strategic expert from Afghanistan's Kabul

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating.

The names of the US&nbsp;service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US&nbsp;troop drawdown there after 18 years of war.

Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-negotiator-zalmay-khalilzad-returning-to-doha-for-more-talks-244510">US&nbsp;envoy Zalmay Khalilzad</a> with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban.

"We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate.

A pullout has raised fears within the US&nbsp;military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US&nbsp;and allied targets.

Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US troop drawdown there after 18 years of war. Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. "We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said. Some 14,000 US troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate. A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets. Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two US service members killed in Afghanistan: NATO

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../brother-of-afghan-taliban-leader-killed-in- pakistan-mosque-blast-243513"> killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack </a>would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops after 18 years of war.

Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque near the Pakistani city of Quetta when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was among four people killed, several Taliban officials have said.

There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US&nbsp;officials have reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee.

"If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"We are close to our goals,” he said, referring to the talks with the United States. He declined to be identified.

The militants have been fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state since they were ousted in October 2001, weeks after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Both US&nbsp;negotiators and the Taliban have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan- 243511">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump </a>has made no secret of his desire for a US&nbsp;pullout from Afghanistan and an end to America's longest war.

Top US&nbsp;national security advisers briefed Trump on Friday on the negotiations.

There are deep concerns among Afghan officials and U.S. national security aides about the talks led by US&nbsp;special representative to Afghanistan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-envoy-for-peace-in-afghanistan-zalmay- khalilzad-meets-jaishankar-241214">Zalmay Khalilzad</a>, who updated Trump.

A US pullout has raised fears Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give international militants a sanctuary.

Under the expected deal, the Taliban, in exchange for a US&nbsp;commitment on a withdrawal, would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The Taliban are also expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks with the US-backed&nbsp;government and agree to a ceasefire.

Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told a news briefing any deal had to include a ceasefire and a US withdrawal would be based on conditions being met.

'FINAL ROUND'

A second Taliban official, speaking from Doha, where the Taliban have a political office and where the talks have been held, said preparations were being made for a meaningful final round.

"We've solved most issues, just a few remaining," said the official, who also declined to be identified.

No date has been set for more talks.

The Taliban were considering a ceasefire in places from which US&nbsp;forces withdraw, the second official said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations.

The war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war.

Afghan Taliban officials said on Saturday the killing of the brother of their leader in a bomb attack would not derail talks with the United States aimed at securing the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque near the Pakistani city of Quetta when a bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was leading Friday prayers and was among four people killed, several Taliban officials have said. There was no claim of responsibility for the blast that came after both Taliban and US officials have reported progress in talks on an agreement centred on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban security guarantee. "If someone thinks martyring our leaders would stop us from our goal they're living in a fool's paradise," a Taliban leader said by telephone from an undisclosed location. "We are close to our goals,” he said, referring to the talks with the United States. He declined to be identified. The militants have been fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state since they were ousted in October 2001, weeks after the September 11 attacks on the United States. Both US negotiators and the Taliban have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for a US pullout from Afghanistan and an end to America's longest war. Top US national security advisers briefed Trump on Friday on the negotiations. There are deep concerns among Afghan officials and U.S. national security aides about the talks led by US special representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who updated Trump. A US pullout has raised fears Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give international militants a sanctuary. Under the expected deal, the Taliban, in exchange for a US commitment on a withdrawal, would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The Taliban are also expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and agree to a ceasefire. Presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told a news briefing any deal had to include a ceasefire and a US withdrawal would be based on conditions being met. 'FINAL ROUND' A second Taliban official, speaking from Doha, where the Taliban have a political office and where the talks have been held, said preparations were being made for a meaningful final round. "We've solved most issues, just a few remaining," said the official, who also declined to be identified. No date has been set for more talks. The Taliban were considering a ceasefire in places from which US forces withdraw, the second official said. Some 14,000 US troops remain in Afghanistan, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations. The war has ground into a stalemate with casualties rising among civilians as well as combatants.

Taliban say killing of leader's brother will not derail US talks

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war.

The message from Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, to mark the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed 14 people and wounded 145 in Kabul in an attack the government said raised questions about the militants'&nbsp;commitment to peace despite the talks with the United States.

Akhundzada called for trust but did not refer to Wednesday's bombing in his message. He said the Taliban had taken "incredible strides" towards their goal of "ending the occupation and establishing an Islamic system".

Addressing American officials, Akhundzada said the Taliban were engaged in negotiations with them with "utmost seriousness" and called for sincerity to end the "18-year tragedy".

"However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials have generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions," he said.

"Bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process, therefore, it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased," Akhundzada said.

The negotiations, which began late last year in Qatar, have not brought a reduction in violence, with both the Taliban and Afghan government forces, assisted by US-led international troops, launching assaults against each other.

At the same time, the violence has had virtually no impact on the talks. Both sides reported significant progress this week in their efforts to forge a deal.&nbsp;

The expected pact will be centred on a timeline for the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for international terrorism, both sides have said.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US&nbsp;forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

The Taliban said Wednesday's bomb in Kabul was a response to daily attacks by government forces in the countryside.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US&nbsp;envoy negotiating with the Taliban, condemned the Kabul blast and said the focus should be on reducing violence to prepare "intra-Afghan negotiations that will produce a political roadmap and a permanent ceasefire".

A Taliban promise to talk peace with the US-backed government is likely to be part of any agreement with the United States, but many Afghan government officials fear their war with the Taliban will not end if and when the Americans leave.

The militants control more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war.

The leader of the Taliban said on Thursday the United States had raised a cloud of doubt and uncertainty about an expected deal aimed at allowing it to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and end its longest war. The message from Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, to mark the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed 14 people and wounded 145 in Kabul in an attack the government said raised questions about the militants' commitment to peace despite the talks with the United States. Akhundzada called for trust but did not refer to Wednesday's bombing in his message. He said the Taliban had taken "incredible strides" towards their goal of "ending the occupation and establishing an Islamic system". Addressing American officials, Akhundzada said the Taliban were engaged in negotiations with them with "utmost seriousness" and called for sincerity to end the "18-year tragedy". "However, the increasing blind and brutal bombings by America during the negotiation process, attacks on civilian areas and the contradictory statements by your military and political officials have generated a cloud of uncertainty about this process and raised doubts about your intentions," he said. "Bilateral trust is the foundation of a successful negotiations process, therefore, it is imperative that such negative actions are ceased," Akhundzada said. The negotiations, which began late last year in Qatar, have not brought a reduction in violence, with both the Taliban and Afghan government forces, assisted by US-led international troops, launching assaults against each other. At the same time, the violence has had virtually no impact on the talks. Both sides reported significant progress this week in their efforts to forge a deal. The expected pact will be centred on a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for international terrorism, both sides have said. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. The Taliban said Wednesday's bomb in Kabul was a response to daily attacks by government forces in the countryside. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy negotiating with the Taliban, condemned the Kabul blast and said the focus should be on reducing violence to prepare "intra-Afghan negotiations that will produce a political roadmap and a permanent ceasefire". A Taliban promise to talk peace with the US-backed government is likely to be part of any agreement with the United States, but many Afghan government officials fear their war with the Taliban will not end if and when the Americans leave. The militants control more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Afghan Taliban leader accuses US of creating doubts over pact

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">India-Pakistan tensions</a> in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-370-acted-as-a-tool-to-spread-terrorism-and-violence-in-valley-pm-modi-241575">special status for Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" 
&nbsp; 
The group explained that it&nbsp;"having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict"&nbsp;requests&nbsp;"peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues.

Taliban which&nbsp;controlled&nbsp;a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed&nbsp;Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir.&nbsp;

It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries."

Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control.

Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi&nbsp;said, "Afghan&nbsp;peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace."

The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace process.

Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir. The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" The group explained that it "having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict" requests "peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues. Taliban which controlled a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir. It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries." Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control. Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said, "Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace." The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan. In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the Afghan peace process. Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.

Taliban slams Pakistan for linking Kashmir with Afghan peace process

The US and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-movement-240573">Taliban</a> have made "excellent progress" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-round-of-us-taliban-talks-in-doha-hope-for-peace-deal-rise-240401">latest round of talks in Doha </a>to craft a peace deal, Washington's&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;envoy said on Monday.

The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda.

"Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress."

The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress.

Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks

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Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process".

A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate.

"My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted.&nbsp;

"Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added.

The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from&nbsp;Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire.

'We're talking'

The US invaded&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years.

Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of&nbsp;Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".

However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord.

The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own.&nbsp;

Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with&nbsp;Afghanistan's government.

The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month.

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan. In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. "Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress." The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress. Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks × Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process". A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate. "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted. "Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added. The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire. 'We're talking' The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years. Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord. The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own. Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with Afghanistan's government. The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month. The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

US Afghan envoy praises 'excellent progress' in Taliban talks

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-special-representative-arrives-in-doha-for-us-taliban-peace-talks-240395"> US and the Taliban </a>will seek to thrash out elements of a deal to bring a close to Afghanistan's 18-year conflict in the second day of renewed talks in Doha on Sunday.

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-indicated-a-willingness-to-strike-a-peace-deal-khalilzad-240391">Taliban</a> in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops and turn the page on its longest-ever war.

But it would first seek assurances from the insurgents that they would renounce Al-Qaeda and stop other militants like the Islamic State group using the country as a haven.

The talks, now in their eighth round, began on Saturday and were due to resume Sunday morning after pausing overnight, US and Taliban sources told AFP.

A Taliban source also said efforts were underway to organise a direct meeting between US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar, who heads the movement's political wing.

A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban in late 2001 accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban have proved formidable insurgents, bogging down US troops for years.

Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential elections due in 2020.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".&nbsp;

"We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

"Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based."

In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month.

- 'Negotiations will be tough' -

The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US force in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000.

In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire, renounce Al-Qaeda, and talk to the Kabul administration.

An Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced.

"We have no preconditions to begin talks, but the peace agreement is not without conditions," Ghani wrote in Pashto on his Facebook page on Friday ahead of the talks.

"We want a republic government not an emirate," he said, a challenge to the Taliban which has insisted on reverting to the "Islamic Emirate" name Afghanistan bore under its rule.

"The negotiations will be tough, and the Taliban should know that no Afghan is inferior in religion or courage to them."

The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved.

The latest US-Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" -- but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.

Kabul resident Somaya Mustafa, 20, said her country desperately needed a peace deal, but only one in which the Taliban "accept women and their achievements".&nbsp;

"It is a total mess in our country right now. And if it continues, women will suffer more than anyone else."&nbsp;

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan matched record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year.

The US and the Taliban will seek to thrash out elements of a deal to bring a close to Afghanistan's 18-year conflict in the second day of renewed talks in Doha on Sunday.

The US and the Taliban will seek to thrash out elements of a deal to bring a close to Afghanistan's 18-year conflict in the second day of renewed talks in Doha on Sunday. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops and turn the page on its longest-ever war. But it would first seek assurances from the insurgents that they would renounce Al-Qaeda and stop other militants like the Islamic State group using the country as a haven. The talks, now in their eighth round, began on Saturday and were due to resume Sunday morning after pausing overnight, US and Taliban sources told AFP. A Taliban source also said efforts were underway to organise a direct meeting between US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar, who heads the movement's political wing. A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban in late 2001 accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban have proved formidable insurgents, bogging down US troops for years. Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential elections due in 2020. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". "We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. "Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based." In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month. - 'Negotiations will be tough' - The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US force in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000. In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire, renounce Al-Qaeda, and talk to the Kabul administration. An Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced. "We have no preconditions to begin talks, but the peace agreement is not without conditions," Ghani wrote in Pashto on his Facebook page on Friday ahead of the talks. "We want a republic government not an emirate," he said, a challenge to the Taliban which has insisted on reverting to the "Islamic Emirate" name Afghanistan bore under its rule. "The negotiations will be tough, and the Taliban should know that no Afghan is inferior in religion or courage to them." The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved. The latest US-Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" -- but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. Kabul resident Somaya Mustafa, 20, said her country desperately needed a peace deal, but only one in which the Taliban "accept women and their achievements". "It is a total mess in our country right now. And if it continues, women will suffer more than anyone else." The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan matched record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year.

US, Taliban push for peace in day 2 of renewed talks in Doha

The Taliban has said that it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the crucial round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-peace-envoy-for-afghanistan-set-to-resume-talks-with-taliban-sources-239765">peace negotiations between the two adversaries</a> slated to be held later this week in Qatar`s capital city of Doha.

Speaking to Voice of America, Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for Taliban`s political office in Qatar, said that the two sides have worked hard for nearly one year and almost drafted a text in which they have addressed all major issues.

Shaheen added that the Taliban negotiators have done their part and it is now up to the American side whether they have "made up their mind" and take the next step of winding up the dialogue process.

On being asked about his expectations for the upcoming meeting, Shaheen said, "We hope to reach an agreement on the troops' withdrawal."

The Taliban and the US are getting closer to a deal centred around the latter`s promise to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country, in exchange for the guarantee by the former that the Afghan soil, particularly the areas under the Taliban`s control, would not become a platform for transnational terrorism.

The spokesperson added that the signing of the agreement would possibly be witnessed by China, Russia, the United Nations, Pakistan and Iran.

Understandably, once the agreement between the US and the Taliban is inked, it will require the latter to immediately enter into negotiations with Afghan stakeholders.&nbsp;

It may be noted here that the Taliban, so far, have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani`s government, denouncing it as a puppet administration.

"We are committed that when the final agreement is signed with the Americans for the withdrawal of their troops and the timetable is given and international guarantors are witnessing the final signature, after that, we will go to the inter-Afghan dialogue," chief Taliban negotiator, Sher Abbas Stanikzai had said earlier this month.&nbsp;

The Taliban has said that it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the crucial round of peace negotiations between the two adversaries slated to be held later this week in Qatar`s capital city of Doha.

The Taliban has said that it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the crucial round of peace negotiations between the two adversaries slated to be held later this week in Qatar`s capital city of Doha. Speaking to Voice of America, Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for Taliban`s political office in Qatar, said that the two sides have worked hard for nearly one year and almost drafted a text in which they have addressed all major issues. Shaheen added that the Taliban negotiators have done their part and it is now up to the American side whether they have "made up their mind" and take the next step of winding up the dialogue process. On being asked about his expectations for the upcoming meeting, Shaheen said, "We hope to reach an agreement on the troops' withdrawal." The Taliban and the US are getting closer to a deal centred around the latter`s promise to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country, in exchange for the guarantee by the former that the Afghan soil, particularly the areas under the Taliban`s control, would not become a platform for transnational terrorism. The spokesperson added that the signing of the agreement would possibly be witnessed by China, Russia, the United Nations, Pakistan and Iran. Understandably, once the agreement between the US and the Taliban is inked, it will require the latter to immediately enter into negotiations with Afghan stakeholders. It may be noted here that the Taliban, so far, have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani`s government, denouncing it as a puppet administration. "We are committed that when the final agreement is signed with the Americans for the withdrawal of their troops and the timetable is given and international guarantors are witnessing the final signature, after that, we will go to the inter-Afghan dialogue," chief Taliban negotiator, Sher Abbas Stanikzai had said earlier this month.

Taliban hopeful of reaching agreement with US in upcoming talks

Dozens of influential Afghans concluded two days of talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, laying the foundations for renewed negotiations between the United States and the militants.

The encounter ended with a joint statement pledging a "roadmap for peace" based on the opening of a monitored peace process, return of internally displaced people, and non-interference by regional powers in Afghanistan.

"Assuring women rights in political, social, economic, educational, cultural affairs as per (and) within the Islamic framework of Islamic values," also featured in the joint text.

"It's not an agreement, it's a foundation to start the discussion," delegate Mary Akrami, executive director of the Afghan Women's Network, told AFP.

"The good part was that both sides agreed."

The Taliban's Amir Khan Mutaqi, a former minister during the militant group's 1996-2001 rule of Afghanistan, read a Pashto version of the roughly 700-word statement.&nbsp;

Habiba Sarabi, deputy chair of the Afghan High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage elements of the Taliban, read the Dari equivalent.&nbsp;

Around 70 delegates attended the gathering at a luxury hotel in Doha and the large meeting room erupted into applause after the joint statement had been read out shortly before 2100 GMT.

"The differences is almost so narrow... we are quite frankly surprised how serious both sides are and they are so committed to putting an end to this conflict," said Qatar's counter-terrorism special envoy Mutlaq al-Qahtani.

The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that were put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference.

The flurry of talks will continue with the resumption of direct US-Taliban contact also in Doha on Tuesday as both sides eye a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict.

Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw.

'Most productive'

US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has said that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs".

"We want a stable Afghanistan," he told reporters on the sidelines of the dialogue on Monday.

"Afghans meeting with the Taliban was a big success."

The Taliban said they were "happy with progress".

The United States did not participate directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which was attended by political heavyweights, government officials and at least six women.

The Taliban have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, members of which only took part in a "personal capacity".

Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks.

Sunday and Monday's gathering was the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May.

An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.&nbsp;

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

The Taliban, believing they have the upper hand in the war, have kept up attacks even while talking to the United States and agreeing to the Afghan dialogue.

A Taliban car bomb in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 12 people and wounded scores more on Sunday, officials said.

Despite the violence, both the Taliban and the US have been positive about their engagement.

Dozens of influential Afghans concluded two days of talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, laying the foundations for renewed negotiations between the United States and the militants.

Dozens of influential Afghans concluded two days of talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, laying the foundations for renewed negotiations between the United States and the militants. The encounter ended with a joint statement pledging a "roadmap for peace" based on the opening of a monitored peace process, return of internally displaced people, and non-interference by regional powers in Afghanistan. "Assuring women rights in political, social, economic, educational, cultural affairs as per (and) within the Islamic framework of Islamic values," also featured in the joint text. "It's not an agreement, it's a foundation to start the discussion," delegate Mary Akrami, executive director of the Afghan Women's Network, told AFP. "The good part was that both sides agreed." The Taliban's Amir Khan Mutaqi, a former minister during the militant group's 1996-2001 rule of Afghanistan, read a Pashto version of the roughly 700-word statement. Habiba Sarabi, deputy chair of the Afghan High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage elements of the Taliban, read the Dari equivalent. Around 70 delegates attended the gathering at a luxury hotel in Doha and the large meeting room erupted into applause after the joint statement had been read out shortly before 2100 GMT. "The differences is almost so narrow... we are quite frankly surprised how serious both sides are and they are so committed to putting an end to this conflict," said Qatar's counter-terrorism special envoy Mutlaq al-Qahtani. The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that were put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference. The flurry of talks will continue with the resumption of direct US-Taliban contact also in Doha on Tuesday as both sides eye a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict. Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw. 'Most productive' US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has said that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs". "We want a stable Afghanistan," he told reporters on the sidelines of the dialogue on Monday. "Afghans meeting with the Taliban was a big success." The Taliban said they were "happy with progress". The United States did not participate directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which was attended by political heavyweights, government officials and at least six women. The Taliban have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, members of which only took part in a "personal capacity". Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks. Sunday and Monday's gathering was the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May. An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved. The Taliban, believing they have the upper hand in the war, have kept up attacks even while talking to the United States and agreeing to the Afghan dialogue. A Taliban car bomb in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 12 people and wounded scores more on Sunday, officials said. Despite the violence, both the Taliban and the US have been positive about their engagement.

Afghan rivals conclude talks with Taliban on 'roadmap for peace'

Taliban attacked government security compound in central Afghanistan on Sunday amid peace talks in Qatar. Watch this video to know more.

Attack amid Afghanistan peace talks in Qatar

Taliban militants killed at least 26 members of a pro-government militia in north Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, the same day the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-statestaliban-aim-to-firm-up-date-for-foreign-force-exit-from-afghanistan-230057">militants and US&nbsp;government officials </a>are due to start a new round of peace talks in Qatar.

Taliban officials claimed responsibility for the attack on the militiamen in Baghlan province. The militants said their fighters had killed 28 of the militia members and wounded 12.

Last September the US began a fresh push to bring the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;to the negotiating table to end America's longest war.

The peace talks in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-us-taliban-to-hold-more-talks-on-ending-war-229687">Afghanistan</a> have centred on four issues: counter-terrorism, the foreign troop presence, an intra-Afghan dialogue, and a permanent ceasefire.

US officials have previously said they are hoping for a deal before the upcoming Afghan presidential elections, which have already been delayed twice and are now set for September.

(With inputs from AFP, Reuters)

Taliban militants killed at least 26 members of a pro-government militia in north Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, the same day the militants and US government officials are due to start a new round of peace talks in Qatar.

Taliban militants killed at least 26 members of a pro-government militia in north Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, the same day the militants and US government officials are due to start a new round of peace talks in Qatar. Taliban officials claimed responsibility for the attack on the militiamen in Baghlan province. The militants said their fighters had killed 28 of the militia members and wounded 12. Last September the US began a fresh push to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to end America's longest war. The peace talks in Afghanistan have centred on four issues: counter-terrorism, the foreign troop presence, an intra-Afghan dialogue, and a permanent ceasefire. US officials have previously said they are hoping for a deal before the upcoming Afghan presidential elections, which have already been delayed twice and are now set for September. (With inputs from AFP, Reuters)

Taliban kill 26 pro-government militia members in Afghanistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-arrives-in-pakistan-on-two-day-visit-230761">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a> held a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday and discussed the Afghan peace process.

"One on one meeting held between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Islamabad. Matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation in various sectors and regional situation were discussed in the meeting," tweeted the government of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Ghani reached Pakistan for his two-day official visit earlier today. He received a guard of honour on arrival at the PM House upon his arrival.

Earlier in the day, Ghani met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Pakistan Government has claimed that Ghani "appreciated" Pakistan's efforts for the peace process.

Qureshi emphasised that Pakistan wants to play a role in "achieving peace in Afghanistan with sincerity and an open heart".

"For decades now, the people of Afghanistan have suffered due to the security situation and instability prevalent in their country. That must end and Pakistan wants to play its due role in achieving that objective," FM Qureshi said.

"Pakistan has always emphasised the need for result-oriented talks. We firmly believe that is the only way to establish durable peace in Afghanistan," he added.

This visit becomes doubly important after the first Afghan peace conference titled 'Lahore Process' held on June 22 in Bhurban Murree.

According to ARY News, more than 50 delegates, including heads of all Afghan political parties and the political advisor to Ghani, attended the meet.&nbsp;

Former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, senators and members of Afghan parliament were also in attendance.

Ghani had earlier undertaken a bilateral visit to Pakistan in November 2014 and subsequently, came to attend the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process (HoA) Ministerial Conference in Islamabad in December 2015, Gulf News reported.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday and discussed the Afghan peace process. "One on one meeting held between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday and discussed the Afghan peace process. "One on one meeting held between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Islamabad. Matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation in various sectors and regional situation were discussed in the meeting," tweeted the government of Pakistan. Ghani reached Pakistan for his two-day official visit earlier today. He received a guard of honour on arrival at the PM House upon his arrival. Earlier in the day, Ghani met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Pakistan Government has claimed that Ghani "appreciated" Pakistan's efforts for the peace process. Qureshi emphasised that Pakistan wants to play a role in "achieving peace in Afghanistan with sincerity and an open heart". "For decades now, the people of Afghanistan have suffered due to the security situation and instability prevalent in their country. That must end and Pakistan wants to play its due role in achieving that objective," FM Qureshi said. "Pakistan has always emphasised the need for result-oriented talks. We firmly believe that is the only way to establish durable peace in Afghanistan," he added. This visit becomes doubly important after the first Afghan peace conference titled 'Lahore Process' held on June 22 in Bhurban Murree. According to ARY News, more than 50 delegates, including heads of all Afghan political parties and the political advisor to Ghani, attended the meet. Former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, senators and members of Afghan parliament were also in attendance. Ghani had earlier undertaken a bilateral visit to Pakistan in November 2014 and subsequently, came to attend the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process (HoA) Ministerial Conference in Islamabad in December 2015, Gulf News reported.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani hold meeting, discuss peace process

Afghanistan's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-to-visit-pakistan-will-discuss-talks-with-imran-khan-224176">Ashraf Ghani will visit Pakistan </a>on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, less than a week after its neighbour hosted Afghan opposition leaders to discuss ways to end an 18-year-long war.

Ghani's third visit since 2014 comes as efforts have intensified to reach a political settlement with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-statestaliban-aim-to-firm-up-date-for-foreign-force-exit-from-afghanistan-230057">Taliban</a> and end decades of war in Afghanistan, which has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Islamist insurgent movement.

"It is important to see how much regional countries, such as Pakistan, is ready and what kind of help it can provide for peace in Afghanistan," said Haroon Chakhansuri, a spokesman for Ghani in Kabul, the capital.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said the visit would focus on boosting cooperation in areas from security and peace and reconciliation to trade and the economy, adding that officials and a business delegation would accompany Ghani.

Taliban and US officials have held several rounds of talks and say they are close to agreeing a timeline for the withdrawal of foreign troops and guarantees that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on US targets.

But Ghani's government has been shut out of negotiations by the Taliban's refusal to deal with what they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime.

Ghani this year accused Pakistan of meddling in internal politics, saying the keys to the war are in the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where its government and military are based, and Quetta, location of a key group of Taliban leaders.

Pakistani officials deny supporting the Taliban and say Islamabad strongly favours a political settlement to maintain stability in Afghanistan, but Afghan officials remain cautious.

Pakistan's role in the peace talks is delicate, as it seeks to avoid demonstrating the kind of broad influence over the Taliban long attributed to it by Washington.

US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the push to broker a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban, has held several rounds of talks with Pakistani officials to smooth the way.

Last week, dozens of Afghan politicians and opposition leaders gathered in Pakistan to discuss ways to achieve peace.

Trade analysts said Afghanistan was a key export market and important hub with central Asia for Pakistan, which faces bleak economic headwinds, including a looming balance of payments crisis likely to be worsened by regional turmoil.

"At this stage Pakistan cannot afford to see Afghanistan slide into chaos when it has been running short of foreign exchange reserves," said Mohammad Jamaluddin of the Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani will visit Pakistan on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, less than a week after its neighbour hosted Afghan opposition leaders to discuss ways to end an 18-year-long war.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani will visit Pakistan on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, less than a week after its neighbour hosted Afghan opposition leaders to discuss ways to end an 18-year-long war. Ghani's third visit since 2014 comes as efforts have intensified to reach a political settlement with the Taliban and end decades of war in Afghanistan, which has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Islamist insurgent movement. "It is important to see how much regional countries, such as Pakistan, is ready and what kind of help it can provide for peace in Afghanistan," said Haroon Chakhansuri, a spokesman for Ghani in Kabul, the capital. Pakistan's foreign ministry said the visit would focus on boosting cooperation in areas from security and peace and reconciliation to trade and the economy, adding that officials and a business delegation would accompany Ghani. Taliban and US officials have held several rounds of talks and say they are close to agreeing a timeline for the withdrawal of foreign troops and guarantees that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on US targets. But Ghani's government has been shut out of negotiations by the Taliban's refusal to deal with what they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime. Ghani this year accused Pakistan of meddling in internal politics, saying the keys to the war are in the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where its government and military are based, and Quetta, location of a key group of Taliban leaders. Pakistani officials deny supporting the Taliban and say Islamabad strongly favours a political settlement to maintain stability in Afghanistan, but Afghan officials remain cautious. Pakistan's role in the peace talks is delicate, as it seeks to avoid demonstrating the kind of broad influence over the Taliban long attributed to it by Washington. US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the push to broker a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban, has held several rounds of talks with Pakistani officials to smooth the way. Last week, dozens of Afghan politicians and opposition leaders gathered in Pakistan to discuss ways to achieve peace. Trade analysts said Afghanistan was a key export market and important hub with central Asia for Pakistan, which faces bleak economic headwinds, including a looming balance of payments crisis likely to be worsened by regional turmoil. "At this stage Pakistan cannot afford to see Afghanistan slide into chaos when it has been running short of foreign exchange reserves," said Mohammad Jamaluddin of the Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to visit Pakistan in bid to step up peace effort

Five Taliban terrorists were killed in an operation by Afghan Special Forces in the country`s northern province of Faryab, the provincial government said on Friday.

The anti-terrorist operation was carried out in the Dara-e-Shakh area of Gurziwan district in the wee hours of Friday.

Two Taliban hideouts were destroyed, reported Xinhua.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban regarding the operation.

Afghanistan is facing an unstable political and security situation due to the activities of the Taliban and the Islamic State.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have been conducting operations to combat terrorism across the country.&nbsp;

Five Taliban terrorists were killed in an operation by Afghan Special Forces in the country`s northern province of Faryab, the provincial government said on Friday.

Five Taliban terrorists were killed in an operation by Afghan Special Forces in the country`s northern province of Faryab, the provincial government said on Friday. The anti-terrorist operation was carried out in the Dara-e-Shakh area of Gurziwan district in the wee hours of Friday. Two Taliban hideouts were destroyed, reported Xinhua. There was no immediate comment from the Taliban regarding the operation. Afghanistan is facing an unstable political and security situation due to the activities of the Taliban and the Islamic State. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have been conducting operations to combat terrorism across the country.

5 Taliban terrorists killed by Afghan forces in Faryab province

The United States has urged for the involvement of Afghan women in the ongoing peace process and make sure that their voices are heard during the negotiations with the Taliban.

In a letter, members of the US Congress have told US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo that the Afghan women were excluded from the peace talks during the February and May peace negotiations between the US negotiators and the Taliban members in Doha, Tolo News reported.

"Yet during the February and May talks in Doha between American diplomates and the Taliban, Afghan women were not represented. Afghan women voices need to be heard - not just on women`s rights, but on the future of their country. We urge the State Department to protect Afghan women`s negotiation position and hard-won gains in all discussions with the Taliban," the letter read.

A copy of the letter, which has also been sent to the US Special Representative on Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, has further asked the State Department to make sure that the achievements of the Afghan women in the past 18 years should be protected.

US lawmakers quoting the US Institute of Peace have said more than 68,000 Afghan women are employed in schools and universities, at least 10,000 Afghan women are doctors and healthcare professionals, and Afghan women entrepreneurs have created roughly 77,000 jobs for Afghans which are big gains that must be preserved.

Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, a women`s rights activist and a former advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, said, "If you are not sitting around the table, you cannot remain in the government. Those who gather around the table, they make peace with each other; peace on their thoughts and peace on their different point of views. If you are not on the table, it means having a different point of view or having a shared point is not important."

"Afghan women have also called for their voices to be heard and today that the US Congress members have sent the letter. It is a positive step and it means that they completely support women`s participation," said Shinkai Karokhail, a member of the Afghan Parliament was quoted as saying.

In response to the calls, Khalilzad has said that women`s rights and achievements in war-ravaged Afghanistan will be protected.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States has urged for the involvement of Afghan women in the ongoing peace process and make sure that their voices are heard during the negotiations with the Taliban.

The United States has urged for the involvement of Afghan women in the ongoing peace process and make sure that their voices are heard during the negotiations with the Taliban. In a letter, members of the US Congress have told US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo that the Afghan women were excluded from the peace talks during the February and May peace negotiations between the US negotiators and the Taliban members in Doha, Tolo News reported. "Yet during the February and May talks in Doha between American diplomates and the Taliban, Afghan women were not represented. Afghan women voices need to be heard - not just on women`s rights, but on the future of their country. We urge the State Department to protect Afghan women`s negotiation position and hard-won gains in all discussions with the Taliban," the letter read. A copy of the letter, which has also been sent to the US Special Representative on Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, has further asked the State Department to make sure that the achievements of the Afghan women in the past 18 years should be protected. US lawmakers quoting the US Institute of Peace have said more than 68,000 Afghan women are employed in schools and universities, at least 10,000 Afghan women are doctors and healthcare professionals, and Afghan women entrepreneurs have created roughly 77,000 jobs for Afghans which are big gains that must be preserved. Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, a women`s rights activist and a former advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, said, "If you are not sitting around the table, you cannot remain in the government. Those who gather around the table, they make peace with each other; peace on their thoughts and peace on their different point of views. If you are not on the table, it means having a different point of view or having a shared point is not important." "Afghan women have also called for their voices to be heard and today that the US Congress members have sent the letter. It is a positive step and it means that they completely support women`s participation," said Shinkai Karokhail, a member of the Afghan Parliament was quoted as saying. In response to the calls, Khalilzad has said that women`s rights and achievements in war-ravaged Afghanistan will be protected.

US urges inclusion of Afghan women in ongoing peace talks

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement".

Khalilzad, who is leading US President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with Taliban, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday.

He is on a 17-day long peace mission during which he will visit Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in efforts to end the long-running Afghan war.

The US envoy will resume peace talks with Taliban in Doha, where the terror group has a political office. He has met with Taliban six times to broker a deal under which the US will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Ahead of Khalilzad's two-weeks tour, the US State Department had said that he will resume talks with the group after a break of around a month to move the peace process forward.

Khalilzad, during his meeting with Khokhar, appreciated the pivotal role played by Pakistan for establishment of enduring peace in the region.

"In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said.

Khokhar said, "Pakistan will continue playing its mediatory role in establishment of peace in the region, including Afghan peace process."

Khalilzad was lead a US delegation which include representatives from the Defense and the State departments, while Khokhar led the Pakistani side.&nbsp; 
The two sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement".

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement". Khalilzad, who is leading US President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with Taliban, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday. He is on a 17-day long peace mission during which he will visit Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in efforts to end the long-running Afghan war. The US envoy will resume peace talks with Taliban in Doha, where the terror group has a political office. He has met with Taliban six times to broker a deal under which the US will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ahead of Khalilzad's two-weeks tour, the US State Department had said that he will resume talks with the group after a break of around a month to move the peace process forward. Khalilzad, during his meeting with Khokhar, appreciated the pivotal role played by Pakistan for establishment of enduring peace in the region. "In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said. Khokhar said, "Pakistan will continue playing its mediatory role in establishment of peace in the region, including Afghan peace process." Khalilzad was lead a US delegation which include representatives from the Defense and the State departments, while Khokhar led the Pakistani side. The two sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Will continue to play mediatory role for peace in Afghanistan and region: Pakistan tells US

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