Dozens of families displaced from their homes in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-pakistan-talks-great-game-redux-in-afghanistan-191186">northern province of Sar-e Pul by Taliban pressure</a> have arrived in the provincial capital, as the insurgents have tightened their grip around the city, residents and officials said.

Taliban fighters have been threatening oil fields around the city of Sar-e Pul as they have stepped up operations with the apparent aim of strengthening their position during <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-reject-talks-with-us-in-pakistan-191358">peace talks with US&nbsp;officials</a>.

"In general, the security situation in Sar-e Pul province has been in critical condition and the Taliban are trying to carry out their attacks on the districts close to the city," said Zabiullah Amani, spokesman for the governor of Sar-e Pul.

The fighting comes as peace talks between US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives have stalled over the insurgents' demand to focus the agenda for peace talks on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from Afghanistan.

The increasingly confident Taliban now control broad swathes of the countryside outside the main cities of Afghanistan and have set their stamp ever more clearly on areas under their control as government forces struggle to push them back.

In Sar-e Pul, officials said around 40 families had arrived in the provincial capital from Kohistan, an isolated district firmly under Taliban control, and have mostly been seeking shelter from the freezing winter temperatures in city mosques.

With punishing winter temperatures making life a misery for displaced people, little help has come from the government.

"These families are now in the centre of the city of Sar-e Pul and are in a very bad state because they do not have any kind of living materials," Amani said.

Accounts from the displaced families suggest the Taliban singled out families believed to have sympathies with the government or family members in the police and expelled them.

Haji Azizullah, an elder who oversaw the transfer of displaced families from Kohistan district, said those driven from their homes were all suspected of being close to the military or the security forces.

"The Taliban told us to either take your children and work together with the Taliban under our authority or move you out of this area," he said.

With the Taliban still refusing to talk directly with the Afghan government, the pressure on families on the opposing side points to some of the likely problems in any post-settlement Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war.

Saber, a resident of Kohistan who left the district with her six children last week, said Taliban had approached her a week ago and told her to bring her son, a member of the Afghan Local Police, into them.

"When I refused, four people from the Taliban came yesterday and told me I had to get out of the area," she said.

The Taliban spokesman was not immediately for comment.

&nbsp;

Taliban fighters have been threatening oil fields around the city of Sar-e Pul as they have stepped up operations with the apparent aim of strengthening their position during peace talks with US officials.

Dozens of families displaced from their homes in the northern province of Sar-e Pul by Taliban pressure have arrived in the provincial capital, as the insurgents have tightened their grip around the city, residents and officials said. Taliban fighters have been threatening oil fields around the city of Sar-e Pul as they have stepped up operations with the apparent aim of strengthening their position during peace talks with US officials. "In general, the security situation in Sar-e Pul province has been in critical condition and the Taliban are trying to carry out their attacks on the districts close to the city," said Zabiullah Amani, spokesman for the governor of Sar-e Pul. The fighting comes as peace talks between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives have stalled over the insurgents' demand to focus the agenda for peace talks on the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. The increasingly confident Taliban now control broad swathes of the countryside outside the main cities of Afghanistan and have set their stamp ever more clearly on areas under their control as government forces struggle to push them back. In Sar-e Pul, officials said around 40 families had arrived in the provincial capital from Kohistan, an isolated district firmly under Taliban control, and have mostly been seeking shelter from the freezing winter temperatures in city mosques. With punishing winter temperatures making life a misery for displaced people, little help has come from the government. "These families are now in the centre of the city of Sar-e Pul and are in a very bad state because they do not have any kind of living materials," Amani said. Accounts from the displaced families suggest the Taliban singled out families believed to have sympathies with the government or family members in the police and expelled them. Haji Azizullah, an elder who oversaw the transfer of displaced families from Kohistan district, said those driven from their homes were all suspected of being close to the military or the security forces. "The Taliban told us to either take your children and work together with the Taliban under our authority or move you out of this area," he said. With the Taliban still refusing to talk directly with the Afghan government, the pressure on families on the opposing side points to some of the likely problems in any post-settlement Afghanistan after more than 17 years of war. Saber, a resident of Kohistan who left the district with her six children last week, said Taliban had approached her a week ago and told her to bring her son, a member of the Afghan Local Police, into them. "When I refused, four people from the Taliban came yesterday and told me I had to get out of the area," she said. The Taliban spokesman was not immediately for comment.

Families in Afghanistan's north seek shelter as Taliban ups pressure

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report.

Quoting diplomatic sources, GEO News reported that Pakistan decided to extend an invitation to the Afghan Taliban representatives to come to Islamabad and hold talks.

It is expected that Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar would also be part of the peace talks, it said.

The decision to hold the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad was taken on Friday during a meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the report said without giving a date for the negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has been pressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to facilitate Afghan peace talks, with Washington reportedly making it a condition for a future summit between the two leaders in Washington.&nbsp;

During the meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, the Foreign Minister said that the Taliban were not willing to sit with the Afghan administration nor were they willing for a ceasefire, the report said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad requested that Pakistan should play its role to make the dialogue successful, it said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan's efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad has held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war,&nbsp; America's longest.

Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region.&nbsp;

"We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan," the minister said.&nbsp;

A US-delegation comprising the representatives of the State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting.

Khalilzad is on his fifth visit to the region for Afghan reconciliation since he assumed office.

On Thursday, the US envoy met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed progress on the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Khalilzad has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the war-ravaged country.

New Delhi has also been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;

The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials.

Pakistan last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment in an attempt to woo the militant group to engage in talks.&nbsp;

Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar.&nbsp;

The report of Pakistan may host the next round of Afghan peace talks came hours after a US Congressional report said that Islamabad may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong and unified one.

"Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large Pashtun minority)," the report prepared by the Congressional Research Service said.

"Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan," said the report titled, "Afghanistan: Background and US Policy in Brief".&nbsp;

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report.

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report. Quoting diplomatic sources, GEO News reported that Pakistan decided to extend an invitation to the Afghan Taliban representatives to come to Islamabad and hold talks. It is expected that Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar would also be part of the peace talks, it said. The decision to hold the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad was taken on Friday during a meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the report said without giving a date for the negotiations. US President Donald Trump has been pressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to facilitate Afghan peace talks, with Washington reportedly making it a condition for a future summit between the two leaders in Washington. During the meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, the Foreign Minister said that the Taliban were not willing to sit with the Afghan administration nor were they willing for a ceasefire, the report said. Khalilzad requested that Pakistan should play its role to make the dialogue successful, it said. Khalilzad, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan's efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Khalilzad has held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war, America's longest. Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region. "We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan," the minister said. A US-delegation comprising the representatives of the State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting. Khalilzad is on his fifth visit to the region for Afghan reconciliation since he assumed office. On Thursday, the US envoy met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed progress on the Afghan peace process. Khalilzad has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the war-ravaged country. New Delhi has also been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials. Pakistan last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment in an attempt to woo the militant group to engage in talks. Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. The report of Pakistan may host the next round of Afghan peace talks came hours after a US Congressional report said that Islamabad may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong and unified one. "Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large Pashtun minority)," the report prepared by the Congressional Research Service said. "Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan," said the report titled, "Afghanistan: Background and US Policy in Brief".

Pakistan to host next round of peace talks between US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad: Report

A former national security adviser entered Afghanistan's presidential race on Friday, seeking to unseat his former boss President Ashraf Ghani with the promise of a renewed effort to bring peace to the country.

Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the country's top security official for four years before he quit in August over policy differences with Ghani, is seen by analysts as a leading contender in the election now expected in July.

Announcing his candidacy in Kabul, Atmar said he welcomed peace talks with the Taliban but added he would not accept the return of a Taliban regime.

"I definitely seek to have a change in the leadership and replace it with my 'Peace and Moderation Team' to bring peace to the country," Atmar told reporters.

The presidential polls will be a crucial test for election officials who were criticized for failing to conduct free and fair parliamentary elections last October. The 2014 presidential election won by Ghani was also tainted by accusations of widespread cheating.

Two senior election officials said on Friday the vote could be delayed in order to prioritize peace talks between US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban to end the country's 17-year conflict.

Ghani has yet to register his candidacy for a second term, but last month he brought two vocal critics into cabinet in what critics saw as a bid to neutralize potential opponents ahead of the election.

Ghani's office was not immediately available for comment on Atmar's decision to enter the race.

Atmar, who began his security career with the Soviet Union-backed government in the late 1980s, is still seen as close to Russia.

An ethnic Pashtun, Atmar worked for the KHAD, an Afghan security and intelligence agency with strong ties to the Soviet KGB. During the Soviet-Afghan War he fought against the Afghan Mujahideen, and lost a leg defending the eastern city of Jalalabad in 1988.

"He is a strong, charismatic candidate, but he does not enjoy the complete support of the US," a Western diplomat in Kabul said.

"America's blessings are needed to be the leader of Afghanistan, especially now when peace talks with the Taliban are gaining momentum," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

Taliban representatives have met with US officials but have so far refused to talk directly with members of Ghani's government, which they consider an illegitimate regime put in place by foreign powers.

A former national security adviser entered Afghanistan's presidential race on Friday, seeking to unseat his former boss President Ashraf Ghani with the promise of a renewed effort to bring peace to the country.

A former national security adviser entered Afghanistan's presidential race on Friday, seeking to unseat his former boss President Ashraf Ghani with the promise of a renewed effort to bring peace to the country. Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the country's top security official for four years before he quit in August over policy differences with Ghani, is seen by analysts as a leading contender in the election now expected in July. Announcing his candidacy in Kabul, Atmar said he welcomed peace talks with the Taliban but added he would not accept the return of a Taliban regime. "I definitely seek to have a change in the leadership and replace it with my 'Peace and Moderation Team' to bring peace to the country," Atmar told reporters. The presidential polls will be a crucial test for election officials who were criticized for failing to conduct free and fair parliamentary elections last October. The 2014 presidential election won by Ghani was also tainted by accusations of widespread cheating. Two senior election officials said on Friday the vote could be delayed in order to prioritize peace talks between US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban to end the country's 17-year conflict. Ghani has yet to register his candidacy for a second term, but last month he brought two vocal critics into cabinet in what critics saw as a bid to neutralize potential opponents ahead of the election. Ghani's office was not immediately available for comment on Atmar's decision to enter the race. Atmar, who began his security career with the Soviet Union-backed government in the late 1980s, is still seen as close to Russia. An ethnic Pashtun, Atmar worked for the KHAD, an Afghan security and intelligence agency with strong ties to the Soviet KGB. During the Soviet-Afghan War he fought against the Afghan Mujahideen, and lost a leg defending the eastern city of Jalalabad in 1988. "He is a strong, charismatic candidate, but he does not enjoy the complete support of the US," a Western diplomat in Kabul said. "America's blessings are needed to be the leader of Afghanistan, especially now when peace talks with the Taliban are gaining momentum," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Taliban representatives have met with US officials but have so far refused to talk directly with members of Ghani's government, which they consider an illegitimate regime put in place by foreign powers.

Former Afghan security adviser enters race for president

US special envoy to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-8-killed-two-wounded-in-afghanistans-mine-collapse-191019&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZyubd7_TfAhVKzbwKHRbbAS8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oC0bD0pyHhvpOIxEkWqi4">Afghanistan</a> Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday arrived in Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with top civil and military officials during which he is expected to seek Islamabad's help to convince the Taliban to return to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long Afghan war.

According to US diplomatic officials in Pakistan, the schedule of Khalilzad's meetings will be decided soon and the special envoy will be in Islamabad for one to four days.

They said discussions will largely focus on the Afghan peace process, Pak-Afghan border management efforts and US-Pakistan relations.

Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan two days later than expected.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, Khalilzad is expected to meet Pakistan's civilian and military leaders during his stay and that he will ask Pakistan to help convince the Afghan Taliban to come back to the negotiation table.

"Pakistan has also maintained we want an Afghan-led Afghan-owned solution to imbroglio," Faisal was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

Khalilzad is leading an intra-agency delegation and will meet officials in each country in order to "facilitate an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan", the US State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

The envoy's four-nation trip is expected to end on January 21.

Khalilzad will be accompanied by Deputy Assistant to the US president Lisa Curtis, who is considered as an expert on Afghan affairs, diplomatic sources said.

The US delegation will meet senior civil and military officials to discuss the ongoing Afghan peace initiative, they said.

The US State Department said last week that Khalilzad was visiting India, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan from January 8 to seek the settlement of the Afghan problem.

He has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-on-2-day-visit-to-uzbekistan-will-attend-first-india-central-asia-dialogue-189877&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi8gLGQ8PTfAhWOA4gKHThWCIsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3c_BGpMOxB5UUBN4Mjq0RO">Sushma Swaraj </a>on January 10.

The US official was in Beijing this weekend and held talks with senior Chinese officials.

The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to the refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials.

According to officials, the US delegation will seek Pakistan's assistance for arranging talks between Kabul and Taliban to end more than 17-year-old conflict.

Pakistan has been playing a crucial role in the process and last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment, who is reportedly in Qatar.

Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. He was arrested from Karachi in a joint Pakistan-US operation after reports that he was independently trying to conclude a deal with the Afghan government.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation.

The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan, and China.

India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

Khalilzad visited Pakistan in October before flying to Doha, Qatar where he reportedly held talks with the Taliban representatives.&nbsp;

He has also held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban in order to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war? America's longest.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday arrived in Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with top civil and military officials during which he is expected to seek Islamabad's help to convince the Taliban to return to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long Afghan war.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday arrived in Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with top civil and military officials during which he is expected to seek Islamabad's help to convince the Taliban to return to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long Afghan war. According to US diplomatic officials in Pakistan, the schedule of Khalilzad's meetings will be decided soon and the special envoy will be in Islamabad for one to four days. They said discussions will largely focus on the Afghan peace process, Pak-Afghan border management efforts and US-Pakistan relations. Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan two days later than expected. According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, Khalilzad is expected to meet Pakistan's civilian and military leaders during his stay and that he will ask Pakistan to help convince the Afghan Taliban to come back to the negotiation table. "Pakistan has also maintained we want an Afghan-led Afghan-owned solution to imbroglio," Faisal was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. Khalilzad is leading an intra-agency delegation and will meet officials in each country in order to "facilitate an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan", the US State Department said in a statement. The envoy's four-nation trip is expected to end on January 21. Khalilzad will be accompanied by Deputy Assistant to the US president Lisa Curtis, who is considered as an expert on Afghan affairs, diplomatic sources said. The US delegation will meet senior civil and military officials to discuss the ongoing Afghan peace initiative, they said. The US State Department said last week that Khalilzad was visiting India, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan from January 8 to seek the settlement of the Afghan problem. He has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10. The US official was in Beijing this weekend and held talks with senior Chinese officials. The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to the refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials. According to officials, the US delegation will seek Pakistan's assistance for arranging talks between Kabul and Taliban to end more than 17-year-old conflict. Pakistan has been playing a crucial role in the process and last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment, who is reportedly in Qatar. Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. He was arrested from Karachi in a joint Pakistan-US operation after reports that he was independently trying to conclude a deal with the Afghan government. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan, and China. India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. Khalilzad visited Pakistan in October before flying to Doha, Qatar where he reportedly held talks with the Taliban representatives. He has also held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban in order to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war? America's longest.

US envoy on Afghanistan arrives in Pakistan for talks

A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials said Wednesday, as the government continued investigating the blast site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-claim-responsibility-for-deadly-kabul-car-bomb-attack-190365">The Taliban </a>have claimed responsibility after the bomb detonated near the Green Village compound in east Kabul on Monday. Afghan authorities have said at least four people were killed and 113 wounded.&nbsp;

On Wednesday an official at the US embassy in Kabul said an American citizen was among the fatalities but gave no further information. Indian authorities had previously confirmed that one of their citizens was also killed in the attack.&nbsp;

It was not clear if they were included in the four dead, with some Afghan officials giving conflicting tolls.&nbsp;

"We have launched an investigation and it has not finished yet. Once we finish the investigation we will be able to release the final toll," Najib Danish, the interior ministry spokesman, said.&nbsp;

The powerful blast ripped through surrounding neighbourhoods, shattering the windows of surrounding houses and shops.&nbsp;

It came as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan, which by some estimates was the world's deadliest conflict zone in 2018.

A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials said Wednesday, as the government continued investigating the blast site.

A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials said Wednesday, as the government continued investigating the blast site. The Taliban have claimed responsibility after the bomb detonated near the Green Village compound in east Kabul on Monday. Afghan authorities have said at least four people were killed and 113 wounded. On Wednesday an official at the US embassy in Kabul said an American citizen was among the fatalities but gave no further information. Indian authorities had previously confirmed that one of their citizens was also killed in the attack. It was not clear if they were included in the four dead, with some Afghan officials giving conflicting tolls. "We have launched an investigation and it has not finished yet. Once we finish the investigation we will be able to release the final toll," Najib Danish, the interior ministry spokesman, said. The powerful blast ripped through surrounding neighbourhoods, shattering the windows of surrounding houses and shops. It came as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan, which by some estimates was the world's deadliest conflict zone in 2018.

US citizen among dead in Kabul truck bomb attack

India has briefed the visiting United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad about its policy in the South Asian neighbour&nbsp;and Pakistan's role in the region.&nbsp;

Khalilzad met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale on Friday.&nbsp;

Ministry of External affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said both sides shared perspective on peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

''Khalilzad briefed us on their aspect as to how US is trying to achieve peace and reconciliation in the country. We made it very clear that peace and reconciliation in Afganistan should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled," Kumar said.

Asked if Pakistan's role was discussed, he replied," This is something we have articulated time and again, about the destabilising role they (Pakistan) play. We reiterate out policy in Afghanistan."

US ambassador to India Ken Juster and secretary PAI (Pakistan Afgahistan Iran) division was also present when Khalilzad met Swaraj on Thursday.

"Both sides shared their perspectives on peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan," said an MEA tweet.

This is the first visit by Zalmay to India after taking charge. He will also be visiting China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. During his last visits to the region had had not visited India.&nbsp;

MEA also reacted on Army Chief General Bipin Rawat saying that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without "any preconditions."

"Our position on Afghanistan has been clear and consistent. We have said in the past, India supports the peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan. We support the process which is inclusive towards achieving this goal and there has been no change in the position," MEA spokesperson Kumar said.&nbsp;

India has briefed the visiting United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad about its policy in the South Asian neighbour and Pakistan's role in the region.

India has briefed the visiting United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad about its policy in the South Asian neighbour and Pakistan's role in the region. Khalilzad met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale on Friday. Ministry of External affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said both sides shared perspective on peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. ''Khalilzad briefed us on their aspect as to how US is trying to achieve peace and reconciliation in the country. We made it very clear that peace and reconciliation in Afganistan should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled," Kumar said. Asked if Pakistan's role was discussed, he replied," This is something we have articulated time and again, about the destabilising role they (Pakistan) play. We reiterate out policy in Afghanistan." US ambassador to India Ken Juster and secretary PAI (Pakistan Afgahistan Iran) division was also present when Khalilzad met Swaraj on Thursday. "Both sides shared their perspectives on peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan," said an MEA tweet. This is the first visit by Zalmay to India after taking charge. He will also be visiting China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. During his last visits to the region had had not visited India. MEA also reacted on Army Chief General Bipin Rawat saying that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without "any preconditions." "Our position on Afghanistan has been clear and consistent. We have said in the past, India supports the peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan. We support the process which is inclusive towards achieving this goal and there has been no change in the position," MEA spokesperson Kumar said.

India briefs UN special representative for Afghanistan about Pakistan's destabilising role in the region  

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-strategy-a-game-changer-for-peace-process-in-afghanistan-ashraf-ghani-180161">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a> on Sunday replaced two of the country's top security chiefs with staunch anti-Taliban officials, in a major shake-up days after US President Donald Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in the country.

Amrullah Saleh and Assadullah Khaled, both former heads of the Afghan intelligence agency, have been appointed to the critical posts of interior minister and defence minister, respectively, a presidential decree said.

There was no official explanation for the sudden reshuffle.

But it comes four months after Ghani rejected the resignations of former interior minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and defence minister Tariq Shah Bahrami following criticism over an increasingly deadly insurgency.

The move caps a tumultuous few days for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/afghanistan">Afghanistan</a> after an American official told AFP late last week that Trump had decided to pull out "roughly half" of the 14,000 US forces in the country.

The unexpected move stunned and dismayed foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul who are intensifying a push to end the 17-year conflict with the Taliban.&nbsp;

While the Taliban has not issued a formal statement on Trump's plan, a senior commander told AFP the group was "more than happy".

Trump's decision apparently came Tuesday as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-visits-kabul-after-talks-with-taliban-on-afghan-peace-185428">US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad</a> met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul.

Observers fear the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are being slaughtered at a record rate.

Ghani, who is planning to seek re-election in April, could be trying to strengthen his security credentials ahead of the vote.&nbsp;

Saleh, a fierce government critic who fought against the Taliban in the 1990s, served as head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) from 2004 to 2010.&nbsp;

Khaled was briefly NDS chief in 2012 before being wounded by a Taliban suicide bomber. Both men will serve as acting ministers until the parliament approves their appointments.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced two of the country's top security chiefs with staunch anti-Taliban officials, in a major shake-up days after US President Donald Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in the country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced two of the country's top security chiefs with staunch anti-Taliban officials, in a major shake-up days after US President Donald Trump's decision to slash troop numbers in the country. Amrullah Saleh and Assadullah Khaled, both former heads of the Afghan intelligence agency, have been appointed to the critical posts of interior minister and defence minister, respectively, a presidential decree said. There was no official explanation for the sudden reshuffle. But it comes four months after Ghani rejected the resignations of former interior minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and defence minister Tariq Shah Bahrami following criticism over an increasingly deadly insurgency. The move caps a tumultuous few days for Afghanistan after an American official told AFP late last week that Trump had decided to pull out "roughly half" of the 14,000 US forces in the country. The unexpected move stunned and dismayed foreign diplomats and Afghan officials in Kabul who are intensifying a push to end the 17-year conflict with the Taliban. While the Taliban has not issued a formal statement on Trump's plan, a senior commander told AFP the group was "more than happy". Trump's decision apparently came Tuesday as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. Observers fear the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are being slaughtered at a record rate. Ghani, who is planning to seek re-election in April, could be trying to strengthen his security credentials ahead of the vote. Saleh, a fierce government critic who fought against the Taliban in the 1990s, served as head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) from 2004 to 2010. Khaled was briefly NDS chief in 2012 before being wounded by a Taliban suicide bomber. Both men will serve as acting ministers until the parliament approves their appointments.

Afghanistan President Ghani replaces top security chiefs in major shake-up

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-embarks-on-tour-to-facilitate-peace-process-in-afghanistan-181046">US&nbsp;special envoy for Afghan peace talks</a> arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to meet government leaders, following his discussions with Taliban representatives in Abu Dhabi this week.

Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, has been leading Washington's efforts to encourage negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-hold-second-round-of-trilateral-dialogue-with-pakistan-china-184232">end the 17-year-old war</a>.

A statement from the US&nbsp;embassy in Kabul said Khalilzad would meet President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

US&nbsp;officials have been tight-lipped about the meetings in Abu Dhabi, attended by officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.

But a Taliban statement said the two days of talks concentrated on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a central demand of the movement, as well as the treatment of Taliban prisoners and civilian casualties from air strikes.

Washington insists that any peace settlement must be agreed between the warring Afghan sides but the Taliban have so far refused to talk directly with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate foreign-appointed regime.

US officials have been trying to persuade countries including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to press the Taliban to agree to direct talks. Khalilzad met Pakistan's army chief on Wednesday ahead of his visit to Kabul.

The US special envoy for Afghan peace talks arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to meet government leaders, following his discussions with Taliban representatives in Abu Dhabi this week.

The US special envoy for Afghan peace talks arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to meet government leaders, following his discussions with Taliban representatives in Abu Dhabi this week. Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, has been leading Washington's efforts to encourage negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government to end the 17-year-old war. A statement from the US embassy in Kabul said Khalilzad would meet President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. US officials have been tight-lipped about the meetings in Abu Dhabi, attended by officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. But a Taliban statement said the two days of talks concentrated on the withdrawal of foreign troops, a central demand of the movement, as well as the treatment of Taliban prisoners and civilian casualties from air strikes. Washington insists that any peace settlement must be agreed between the warring Afghan sides but the Taliban have so far refused to talk directly with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate foreign-appointed regime. US officials have been trying to persuade countries including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to press the Taliban to agree to direct talks. Khalilzad met Pakistan's army chief on Wednesday ahead of his visit to Kabul.

US envoy visits Kabul after talks with Taliban on Afghan peace

Talks between US and Taliban officials aimed at arranging peace negotiations in Afghanistan were set for a second day on Tuesday after discussions around the future of foreign forces and a possible six-month ceasefire, Taliban sources said.

The three-day meeting in Abu Dhabi is at least the third time that US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has met <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-abandon-district-after-taliban-pressure-183544">Taliban </a>representatives as diplomatic efforts to end the 17-year war have intensified this year.

On Monday, a Taliban delegation met officials from Saudi Arabia,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-army-says-it-backs-us-peace-talks-with-afghan-taliban-181980"> Pakistan</a> and the United Arab Emirates ahead of their meeting with Khalilzad, who was appointed to oversee Washington's peace effort in September.

Taliban officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US delegation was pressing for a six-month ceasefire as well as an agreement to name Taliban representatives to a future caretaker government.

The officials said the Taliban, fighting to drive foreign forces from Afghanistan and bring in their version of strict Islamic law, were resisting a ceasefire as they felt it would damage their cause and help US and Afghan forces.

"If these three countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan - become guarantors and the US appoints the head of a caretaker government in Afghanistan that we nominate, then we can think about a ceasefire," one senior Taliban official said.

There was no immediate comment from the US embassy in Kabul.

The latest round of diplomacy comes about a year after the United States sent thousands of extra troops to Afghanistan and stepped up air strikes to record levels, with the aim of pushing the Taliban to accept talks.

However, despite US insistence that any peace settlement must be agreed between Afghans, the Taliban have refused to talk directly with officials from the Kabul government, which they consider an illegitimate, foreign-appointed regime.

"Talks revolved around withdrawal of occupation forces from Afghanistan, ending the oppression being carried out by the United States and her allies and views were exchanged with the said countries about peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

An Afghan government team travelled to Abu Dhabi "to begin proximity dialogue with the Taliban delegation and to prepare for a face-to-face meeting between the two sides", government spokesman Haroon Chakansuri said in a statement.

But there was no sign from the Taliban that they were ready to accept talks with the government. On Monday, Mujahid dismissed reports of a meeting as "propaganda".

The United States says the aim of the talks is to facilitate an Afghan-led process and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan in the talks reflects a US desire to bring in countries with an interest in Afghanistan.

Previous meetings were held in Qatar, where the Taliban maintains a political office, but a push to include Saudi Arabia, which is hostile to the gas-rich Gulf state, prompted a change of venue to Abu Dhabi.

Talks between US and Taliban officials aimed at arranging peace negotiations in Afghanistan were set for a second day on Tuesday after discussions around the future of foreign forces and a possible six-month ceasefire, Taliban sources said.

Talks between US and Taliban officials aimed at arranging peace negotiations in Afghanistan were set for a second day on Tuesday after discussions around the future of foreign forces and a possible six-month ceasefire, Taliban sources said. The three-day meeting in Abu Dhabi is at least the third time that US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has met Taliban representatives as diplomatic efforts to end the 17-year war have intensified this year. On Monday, a Taliban delegation met officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates ahead of their meeting with Khalilzad, who was appointed to oversee Washington's peace effort in September. Taliban officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US delegation was pressing for a six-month ceasefire as well as an agreement to name Taliban representatives to a future caretaker government. The officials said the Taliban, fighting to drive foreign forces from Afghanistan and bring in their version of strict Islamic law, were resisting a ceasefire as they felt it would damage their cause and help US and Afghan forces. "If these three countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan - become guarantors and the US appoints the head of a caretaker government in Afghanistan that we nominate, then we can think about a ceasefire," one senior Taliban official said. There was no immediate comment from the US embassy in Kabul. The latest round of diplomacy comes about a year after the United States sent thousands of extra troops to Afghanistan and stepped up air strikes to record levels, with the aim of pushing the Taliban to accept talks. However, despite US insistence that any peace settlement must be agreed between Afghans, the Taliban have refused to talk directly with officials from the Kabul government, which they consider an illegitimate, foreign-appointed regime. "Talks revolved around withdrawal of occupation forces from Afghanistan, ending the oppression being carried out by the United States and her allies and views were exchanged with the said countries about peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. An Afghan government team travelled to Abu Dhabi "to begin proximity dialogue with the Taliban delegation and to prepare for a face-to-face meeting between the two sides", government spokesman Haroon Chakansuri said in a statement. But there was no sign from the Taliban that they were ready to accept talks with the government. On Monday, Mujahid dismissed reports of a meeting as "propaganda". The United States says the aim of the talks is to facilitate an Afghan-led process and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan in the talks reflects a US desire to bring in countries with an interest in Afghanistan. Previous meetings were held in Qatar, where the Taliban maintains a political office, but a push to include Saudi Arabia, which is hostile to the gas-rich Gulf state, prompted a change of venue to Abu Dhabi.

Afghanistan ceasefire push in focus in US, Taliban talks

Representatives from the Afghan Taliban will meet US officials in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the movement's main spokesman said as diplomatic moves towards agreeing to the basis for talks to end the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-hold-second-round-of-trilateral-dialogue-with-pakistan-china-184232">17-year war in Afghanistan</a> continues.

Zabihullah Mujahid said representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the UAE would also take part in the meeting, which follows at least two meetings between Taliban officials and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar.

He made the announcement in a statement on Twitter.

The meetings come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Afghan conflict have intensified, although the Taliban have so far refused to deal directly with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which it considers illegitimate.

The Taliban say the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is the main obstacle to peace but have said that issues including mutual recognition with the Kabul government, constitutional changes and women's rights can be negotiated.

Representatives from the Afghan Taliban will meet US officials in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the movement's main spokesman said as diplomatic moves towards agreeing to the basis for talks to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan continues.

Representatives from the Afghan Taliban will meet US officials in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the movement's main spokesman said as diplomatic moves towards agreeing to the basis for talks to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan continues. Zabihullah Mujahid said representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the UAE would also take part in the meeting, which follows at least two meetings between Taliban officials and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar. He made the announcement in a statement on Twitter. The meetings come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Afghan conflict have intensified, although the Taliban have so far refused to deal directly with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which it considers illegitimate. The Taliban say the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is the main obstacle to peace but have said that issues including mutual recognition with the Kabul government, constitutional changes and women's rights can be negotiated.

Will meet US officials in UAE on Monday: Afghan Taliban

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country.

Khan held talks with Khalilzad, who arrived here on Tuesday to coordinate closely with the Pakistani leadership on the US efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long war in Afghanistan.

The prime minister "reiterated Pakistan's abiding interest in achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through a political settlement," according to a statement by the PM Office.

"Pakistan wants a political solution to Afghan peace and reconciliation," he told Khalilzad.

During the meeting, the US special envoy conveyed President Donald Trump's best wishes.

"The US leadership is looking for a peaceful solution to the Afghan peace process and mutual cooperation between the two sides," Khalilzad told the premier.

Khalilzad also met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and reiterated President Trump's desire to seek Pakistan's cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan, according to a Foreign Office spokesman.

"The FM assured the US side of Pakistan's steadfast support for a negotiated settlement," said the spokesman.

"Pakistan will continue to cooperate with sincerity for a political settlement in Afghanistan. Long-lasting peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's best interest," Qureshi tweeted.

Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, where officials from diplomatic, security and defence from both sides present at the meeting.

"Peace and political settlement in Afghanistan was discussed," according to the spokesman.

Pakistan is accused by both US and Afghanistan of supporting the Taliban&nbsp;who have waged a more than a 17-year old insurgency.

Pakistan maintains that the Taliban have long shifted to Afghanistan where they control a sizeable area and that it has little control over them.

Khalilzad arrived here a day after Pakistan announced that President&nbsp;Trump has written a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Islamabad's&nbsp;"assistance and facilitation in achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war."

Khan told the media on Monday that resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan was also in the best interest of Pakistan, which always made serious efforts to bring peace in the neighbouring country.

Khalilzad will also travel to other regional countries including Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to seek support for his mission.

Afghan-origin Khalilzad served as a special envoy of President George W Bush following the fall of the Taliban government in 2001. He also served as US ambassador to Afghanistan.

He is seen in Pakistan as a hawk who has often accused Islamabad of supporting Taliban militants.

It's his second visit to Pakistan following his appointment as special representative and reflects the Trump administration's intent to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process in Afghanistan.

After his first trip in October, Pakistan announced that it released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to help in the efforts of peace in Afghanistan.

Baradar, the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, was among several senior Taliban leaders freed in recent months, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12.

It is believed that Mulla Baradar's release would help persuade Afghan Taliban to lay down arms and negotiate in new peace talks.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country. Khan held talks with Khalilzad, who arrived here on Tuesday to coordinate closely with the Pakistani leadership on the US efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long war in Afghanistan. The prime minister "reiterated Pakistan's abiding interest in achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through a political settlement," according to a statement by the PM Office. "Pakistan wants a political solution to Afghan peace and reconciliation," he told Khalilzad. During the meeting, the US special envoy conveyed President Donald Trump's best wishes. "The US leadership is looking for a peaceful solution to the Afghan peace process and mutual cooperation between the two sides," Khalilzad told the premier. Khalilzad also met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and reiterated President Trump's desire to seek Pakistan's cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan, according to a Foreign Office spokesman. "The FM assured the US side of Pakistan's steadfast support for a negotiated settlement," said the spokesman. "Pakistan will continue to cooperate with sincerity for a political settlement in Afghanistan. Long-lasting peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's best interest," Qureshi tweeted. Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, where officials from diplomatic, security and defence from both sides present at the meeting. "Peace and political settlement in Afghanistan was discussed," according to the spokesman. Pakistan is accused by both US and Afghanistan of supporting the Taliban who have waged a more than a 17-year old insurgency. Pakistan maintains that the Taliban have long shifted to Afghanistan where they control a sizeable area and that it has little control over them. Khalilzad arrived here a day after Pakistan announced that President Trump has written a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Islamabad's "assistance and facilitation in achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war." Khan told the media on Monday that resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan was also in the best interest of Pakistan, which always made serious efforts to bring peace in the neighbouring country. Khalilzad will also travel to other regional countries including Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to seek support for his mission. Afghan-origin Khalilzad served as a special envoy of President George W Bush following the fall of the Taliban government in 2001. He also served as US ambassador to Afghanistan. He is seen in Pakistan as a hawk who has often accused Islamabad of supporting Taliban militants. It's his second visit to Pakistan following his appointment as special representative and reflects the Trump administration's intent to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process in Afghanistan. After his first trip in October, Pakistan announced that it released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to help in the efforts of peace in Afghanistan. Baradar, the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, was among several senior Taliban leaders freed in recent months, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12. It is believed that Mulla Baradar's release would help persuade Afghan Taliban to lay down arms and negotiate in new peace talks.

Pak supports peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan: Imran Khan tells US special envoy

US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

Pakistan assured visiting US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday that it would back a negotiated settlement with the Taliban to end the long war in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump personally asked for Islamabad's help.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran US diplomat who served as George W. Bush's ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations, was named by the Trump administration three months ago as a special envoy to negotiate peace in Afghanistan.

His visit to Pakistan came a day after Pakistani officials confirmed that Trump had written to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking assistance in moving peace talks forward. Khan said Pakistan would do whatever possible to help Washington negotiate with the Taliban.

Khalilzad arrived on Tuesday in Islamabad and called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, a foreign office statement said.&nbsp;

It said the envoy reiterated Trump's desire to seek Pakistan's cooperation for peace in Afghanistan. Khalilzad on Sunday began an eight-country tour, including Pakistan, Russia and Qatar, to promote peace and convince the Taliban to join negotiations.

US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. Pakistan assured visiting US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday that it would back a negotiated settlement with the Taliban to end the long war in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump personally asked for Islamabad's help.

US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. Pakistan assured visiting US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday that it would back a negotiated settlement with the Taliban to end the long war in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump personally asked for Islamabad's help. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran US diplomat who served as George W. Bush's ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations, was named by the Trump administration three months ago as a special envoy to negotiate peace in Afghanistan. His visit to Pakistan came a day after Pakistani officials confirmed that Trump had written to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking assistance in moving peace talks forward. Khan said Pakistan would do whatever possible to help Washington negotiate with the Taliban. Khalilzad arrived on Tuesday in Islamabad and called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, a foreign office statement said. It said the envoy reiterated Trump's desire to seek Pakistan's cooperation for peace in Afghanistan. Khalilzad on Sunday began an eight-country tour, including Pakistan, Russia and Qatar, to promote peace and convince the Taliban to join negotiations.

Watch: US envoy meets Pakistan PM Imran Khan in Islamabad

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will primarily focus on accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan by trying to bring the Taliban to a point of negotiation as he departs for an eight-nation tour from December 2 (local time) to 20.

Khalilzad will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process in the country, empowering the Afghan people to decide their nation's fate.

He will be in contact with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government.

On his last trip to the region in November, Khalilzad met with men and women active in the civil society and peace efforts, members of the media, and other governmental and non-governmental officials.

He stressed that all Afghans must have a say in the creation of sustainable peace for Afghanistan.

The US envoy will also travel to Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with an inter-agency delegation.

"The United States remains committed to supporting the Afghan people's desire for peace, and to facilitating a political settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban that ensures Afghanistan never serves as a platform for international terrorism again," a statement from the State Department read.

For the past several years, Washington has been trying to persuade the Taliban to come to the negotiating table and formulate a peace process to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan.

However, the group asserted that the presence of foreign troops in the war-torn nation was a hindrance to achieving long-lasting peace.&nbsp;

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will primarily focus on accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan by trying to bring the Taliban to a point of negotiation as he departs for an eight-nation tour from December 2 (local time) to 20.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will primarily focus on accelerating the peace process in Afghanistan by trying to bring the Taliban to a point of negotiation as he departs for an eight-nation tour from December 2 (local time) to 20. Khalilzad will meet with Afghan government officials and other interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process in the country, empowering the Afghan people to decide their nation's fate. He will be in contact with President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other Afghan stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government. On his last trip to the region in November, Khalilzad met with men and women active in the civil society and peace efforts, members of the media, and other governmental and non-governmental officials. He stressed that all Afghans must have a say in the creation of sustainable peace for Afghanistan. The US envoy will also travel to Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with an inter-agency delegation. "The United States remains committed to supporting the Afghan people's desire for peace, and to facilitating a political settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban that ensures Afghanistan never serves as a platform for international terrorism again," a statement from the State Department read. For the past several years, Washington has been trying to persuade the Taliban to come to the negotiating table and formulate a peace process to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan. However, the group asserted that the presence of foreign troops in the war-torn nation was a hindrance to achieving long-lasting peace.

US envoy embarks on tour to facilitate peace process in Afghanistan

Members of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, a body overseeing peace efforts, met Taliban officials at a conference in Moscow on Friday and repeated President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks without pre-conditions.

For the first time, the meeting of regional officials on ways to end the war included a Taliban delegation, as moves towards achieving a political settlement pick up.

"We discussed the subject of direct talks with the Taliban and asked them to choose the place and the starting time," said Ehsan Tahiri, High Peace Council spokesman, according to Russia's RIA news agency.

The meeting, which underlines Russia's desire to be involved in any settlement in Afghanistan, took place as US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad prepared for a fresh round of talks with Taliban officials in Qatar.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that "we reaffirm our position on the lack of alternative to a political settlement in Afghanistan and the need for active coordinated efforts by Afghanistan's neighbouring countries and regional partners".

Western officials and Ghani's government view the Moscow meeting with some suspicion, seeing it as an attempt by Russia to push its way into a process that they say must be led by Afghanistan.

As well as the five-member Taliban delegation, Russia brought to the meeting several senior Afghan political figures, including some who have clashed with Ghani in the past. Ghani's government sent only a delegation from the High Peace Council, a group set up to coordinate reconciliation efforts.

The Taliban issued a statement this week saying the conference was "not about negotiating with any particular side".

It said the meeting was "about holding comprehensive discussions on finding a peaceful solution to the Afghan quandary and ending the American occupation".

Ghani offered in February to talk to the Taliban without pre-conditions but the insurgents, who regard his government as a foreign-controlled regime, have refused, saying they will deal only with the United States.

Members of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, a body overseeing peace efforts, met Taliban officials at a conference in Moscow on Friday and repeated President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks without pre-conditions.

Members of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, a body overseeing peace efforts, met Taliban officials at a conference in Moscow on Friday and repeated President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks without pre-conditions. For the first time, the meeting of regional officials on ways to end the war included a Taliban delegation, as moves towards achieving a political settlement pick up. "We discussed the subject of direct talks with the Taliban and asked them to choose the place and the starting time," said Ehsan Tahiri, High Peace Council spokesman, according to Russia's RIA news agency. The meeting, which underlines Russia's desire to be involved in any settlement in Afghanistan, took place as US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad prepared for a fresh round of talks with Taliban officials in Qatar. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that "we reaffirm our position on the lack of alternative to a political settlement in Afghanistan and the need for active coordinated efforts by Afghanistan's neighbouring countries and regional partners". Western officials and Ghani's government view the Moscow meeting with some suspicion, seeing it as an attempt by Russia to push its way into a process that they say must be led by Afghanistan. As well as the five-member Taliban delegation, Russia brought to the meeting several senior Afghan political figures, including some who have clashed with Ghani in the past. Ghani's government sent only a delegation from the High Peace Council, a group set up to coordinate reconciliation efforts. The Taliban issued a statement this week saying the conference was "not about negotiating with any particular side". It said the meeting was "about holding comprehensive discussions on finding a peaceful solution to the Afghan quandary and ending the American occupation". Ghani offered in February to talk to the Taliban without pre-conditions but the insurgents, who regard his government as a foreign-controlled regime, have refused, saying they will deal only with the United States.

Afghan Peace Council tells Taliban it is ready for talks: RIA

The US envoy for Afghanistan peace efforts met with Taliban representatives in Qatar on Friday as President Donald Trump's administration pushed to find a way to end the 17-year-old Afghan war, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The Journal, citing a person familiar with the gathering, said US Special&nbsp;Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met with Taliban officials in Doha, the second time in four months that American officials have held face-to-face talks with Taliban representatives.

The Journal said it was not clear what the two sides discussed. Khalilzad, who is trying to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table, is currently on his first trip as the special representative. His 11-day trip was to take him to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The State Department declined to say whether the meeting with Taliban officials in Doha took place.

"We can't confirm specific meetings or the content of diplomatic conversations," said a State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Special Representative Khalilzad held a number of meetings with a wide range of stakeholders as part of his trip to explore how best to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan," the spokesperson added.

Alice Wells, the State Department deputy assistant secretary for South and Central Asia, met Taliban officials in Doha in July for what were described as talks about talks. A Taliban official who was part of the four-person delegation to that meeting said it produced "very positive signals."

A US-led coalition forced the Taliban from power in 2001 in the aftermath of the September 11 al Qaeda attacks on Washington and New York.&nbsp;

Taliban officials want the withdrawal of American forces and a government in Kabul that reflects the group`s view of Islam.

The US envoy for Afghanistan peace efforts met with Taliban representatives in Qatar on Friday as President Donald Trump's administration pushed to find a way to end the 17-year-old Afghan war, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The US envoy for Afghanistan peace efforts met with Taliban representatives in Qatar on Friday as President Donald Trump's administration pushed to find a way to end the 17-year-old Afghan war, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Journal, citing a person familiar with the gathering, said US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met with Taliban officials in Doha, the second time in four months that American officials have held face-to-face talks with Taliban representatives. The Journal said it was not clear what the two sides discussed. Khalilzad, who is trying to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table, is currently on his first trip as the special representative. His 11-day trip was to take him to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The State Department declined to say whether the meeting with Taliban officials in Doha took place. "We can't confirm specific meetings or the content of diplomatic conversations," said a State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Special Representative Khalilzad held a number of meetings with a wide range of stakeholders as part of his trip to explore how best to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan," the spokesperson added. Alice Wells, the State Department deputy assistant secretary for South and Central Asia, met Taliban officials in Doha in July for what were described as talks about talks. A Taliban official who was part of the four-person delegation to that meeting said it produced "very positive signals." A US-led coalition forced the Taliban from power in 2001 in the aftermath of the September 11 al Qaeda attacks on Washington and New York. Taliban officials want the withdrawal of American forces and a government in Kabul that reflects the group`s view of Islam.

US envoy for Afghan peace meets Taliban officials in Qatar: Report

Washington's newly named point man tasked with finding a peaceful end to Afghanistan's 17-year war is in Pakistan to seek help from the new government in Islamabad in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table, the US Embassy said Tuesday.

A former US ambassador in Kabul, Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan from neighbouring Afghanistan. His tour of the region will also include Middle East stops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In Afghanistan, he met with President Ashraf Ghani, a long-time friend. Khalilzad, who was also born in Afghanistan, first served in Kabul as a special envoy of President George W Bush following the 2001 ouster of the Taliban, and then later as Washington's ambassador.

But Khalilzad has had a prickly relationship with Pakistan and has often accused Islamabad of fomenting violence in Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban. He has even said the United States should declare Pakistan a terrorist state.

Washington and Kabul have both repeatedly accused Pakistan of providing safe havens for Taliban insurgents, a claim Islamabad has denied and countered with charges that its own insurgents have found sanctuary in Afghanistan.

Both neighbouring countries have been brutally targeted by militants. In Pakistan the perpetrators have most often been the region's Islamic State affiliate, as well as the Pakistani Taliban.

In neighbouring Afghanistan, the IS has been relentless in attacks, mostly targeting minority Shiites. The Afghan Taliban say they restrict their attacks to Afghan security forces but thousands of civilians have been killed in their attacks.

Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan has been a strident critic of Islamabad's previous participation in Washington's so-called war on terror.&nbsp;

However, he promised after winning the polls in July that his government would be "partners in peace." It is not clear what that would entail but Pakistan has supported Afghan President Ghani's peace overtures to the Taliban.

In Pakistan, Khalilzad was met by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who led a delegation that included "security, defense and diplomatic officials," according to a tweet from the foreign office spokesman. There were no further details.

Pakistan's Afghan policy is largely seen as navigated by the military and its intelligence agency, known by its acronym, ISI.

Khalilzad's tour of the region, which was first announced by the State Department as a mission to coordinate and lead U.S. Efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table, has been shrouded in secrecy.

One of his stops is Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a political office. In July, the Taliban said they met there with Alice Wells, Washington's then-top diplomat in the region.

Washington has neither denied nor confirmed the meeting though Wells was in Qatar at the time. It is not known whether there would be a similar meeting with Khalilzad on his visit.

Direct talks with the US have been a persistent demand of the Taliban, who accuse Ghani's government of being America's "puppets." The Taliban have refused so far to comment on Khalilzad's appointment.

The Afghan Taliban have condemned Afghanistan's parliamentary elections later this month and threatened more attacks on Afghan security forces.

In a statement on Monday, which was also released in English, the Taliban also urged Afghan candidates to withdraw their names from the ballot lists.&nbsp;

They denounced the polls as an America-designed ploy to further US interests in Afghanistan and warned Afghan security forces that they would be targeted.

The statement also repeated the long-standing Taliban demand for a complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Washington's newly named point man tasked with finding a peaceful end to Afghanistan's 17-year war is in Pakistan to seek help from the new government in Islamabad in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table, the US Embassy said Tuesday.

Washington's newly named point man tasked with finding a peaceful end to Afghanistan's 17-year war is in Pakistan to seek help from the new government in Islamabad in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table, the US Embassy said Tuesday. A former US ambassador in Kabul, Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan from neighbouring Afghanistan. His tour of the region will also include Middle East stops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In Afghanistan, he met with President Ashraf Ghani, a long-time friend. Khalilzad, who was also born in Afghanistan, first served in Kabul as a special envoy of President George W Bush following the 2001 ouster of the Taliban, and then later as Washington's ambassador. But Khalilzad has had a prickly relationship with Pakistan and has often accused Islamabad of fomenting violence in Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban. He has even said the United States should declare Pakistan a terrorist state. Washington and Kabul have both repeatedly accused Pakistan of providing safe havens for Taliban insurgents, a claim Islamabad has denied and countered with charges that its own insurgents have found sanctuary in Afghanistan. Both neighbouring countries have been brutally targeted by militants. In Pakistan the perpetrators have most often been the region's Islamic State affiliate, as well as the Pakistani Taliban. In neighbouring Afghanistan, the IS has been relentless in attacks, mostly targeting minority Shiites. The Afghan Taliban say they restrict their attacks to Afghan security forces but thousands of civilians have been killed in their attacks. Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan has been a strident critic of Islamabad's previous participation in Washington's so-called war on terror. However, he promised after winning the polls in July that his government would be "partners in peace." It is not clear what that would entail but Pakistan has supported Afghan President Ghani's peace overtures to the Taliban. In Pakistan, Khalilzad was met by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who led a delegation that included "security, defense and diplomatic officials," according to a tweet from the foreign office spokesman. There were no further details. Pakistan's Afghan policy is largely seen as navigated by the military and its intelligence agency, known by its acronym, ISI. Khalilzad's tour of the region, which was first announced by the State Department as a mission to coordinate and lead U.S. Efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table, has been shrouded in secrecy. One of his stops is Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a political office. In July, the Taliban said they met there with Alice Wells, Washington's then-top diplomat in the region. Washington has neither denied nor confirmed the meeting though Wells was in Qatar at the time. It is not known whether there would be a similar meeting with Khalilzad on his visit. Direct talks with the US have been a persistent demand of the Taliban, who accuse Ghani's government of being America's "puppets." The Taliban have refused so far to comment on Khalilzad's appointment. The Afghan Taliban have condemned Afghanistan's parliamentary elections later this month and threatened more attacks on Afghan security forces. In a statement on Monday, which was also released in English, the Taliban also urged Afghan candidates to withdraw their names from the ballot lists. They denounced the polls as an America-designed ploy to further US interests in Afghanistan and warned Afghan security forces that they would be targeted. The statement also repeated the long-standing Taliban demand for a complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

US envoy on Afghan peace takes his mission to Pakistan

The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders to discuss ways to end the 17-year war.

Describing the polls as a "malicious American conspiracy" and urging voters to boycott them, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants would pull no punches to disrupt the long-delayed ballot scheduled for October 20.&nbsp;

While the Taliban would take care to avoid civilian casualties, "people who are trying to help in holding this process successfully by providing security should be targeted and no stone should be left unturned for the prevention and failure" of the election, Mujahid said in a statement published in English.

The interior ministry dismissed the Taliban's statement as "words fed to them by their foreign backers" and said security would be provided for voters.

The Taliban -- Afghanistan's largest militant group that was toppled from power in the 2001 US-led invasion -- typically issue inflammatory and hyperbolic statements about the Afghan government and its international backers.

But this latest declaration comes just days before the parliamentary election, which is seen as a crucial dry run for next year's presidential vote and has already been marred by deadly violence.

It also comes as Khalilzad meets with Afghan leaders for the first time since his appointment last month to steer peace efforts with the militants.

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister, welcomed the visit by Afghanistan-born Khalilzad in televised remarks on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We believe if more attention is paid to the (peace) process, there is a good chance of success," Abdullah said.

Khalilzad -- a high-profile former US ambassador to Kabul, Baghdad and the United Nations -- is on a 10-day regional trip that also includes Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.&nbsp;

He met with President Ashraf Ghani and other top leaders on Sunday night to discuss "an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process", Ghani's office said in a statement.

"I will use my experiences in the international arena and connections in the region to reach this goal (of peace)," Khalilzad told Tolo News.

Afghan and international players have been ratcheting up efforts to hold talks with the Taliban.

An unprecedented ceasefire in June followed by talks between US officials and Taliban representatives in Qatar in July fuelled hopes that negotiations could bring an end to the fighting.

But a wave of attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State group in recent months has poured cold water on the nascent optimism.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders to discuss ways to end the 17-year war.

The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders to discuss ways to end the 17-year war. Describing the polls as a "malicious American conspiracy" and urging voters to boycott them, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants would pull no punches to disrupt the long-delayed ballot scheduled for October 20. While the Taliban would take care to avoid civilian casualties, "people who are trying to help in holding this process successfully by providing security should be targeted and no stone should be left unturned for the prevention and failure" of the election, Mujahid said in a statement published in English. The interior ministry dismissed the Taliban's statement as "words fed to them by their foreign backers" and said security would be provided for voters. The Taliban -- Afghanistan's largest militant group that was toppled from power in the 2001 US-led invasion -- typically issue inflammatory and hyperbolic statements about the Afghan government and its international backers. But this latest declaration comes just days before the parliamentary election, which is seen as a crucial dry run for next year's presidential vote and has already been marred by deadly violence. It also comes as Khalilzad meets with Afghan leaders for the first time since his appointment last month to steer peace efforts with the militants. Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister, welcomed the visit by Afghanistan-born Khalilzad in televised remarks on Monday. "We believe if more attention is paid to the (peace) process, there is a good chance of success," Abdullah said. Khalilzad -- a high-profile former US ambassador to Kabul, Baghdad and the United Nations -- is on a 10-day regional trip that also includes Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He met with President Ashraf Ghani and other top leaders on Sunday night to discuss "an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process", Ghani's office said in a statement. "I will use my experiences in the international arena and connections in the region to reach this goal (of peace)," Khalilzad told Tolo News. Afghan and international players have been ratcheting up efforts to hold talks with the Taliban. An unprecedented ceasefire in June followed by talks between US officials and Taliban representatives in Qatar in July fuelled hopes that negotiations could bring an end to the fighting. But a wave of attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State group in recent months has poured cold water on the nascent optimism.

Taliban vows to attack Afghan security forces during elections

The Taliban on Monday directed Afghans to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections and demanded a complete withdrawal of foreign forces as the only solution to end the 17-year-old war as they ramped up attacks in strategic provinces.

The statement from the hardline Islamic militant group coincided with the visit of top US&nbsp;envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been appointed to lead peace efforts with the Taliban.

Khalilzad met President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul to strategise ways to hold Afghan-led peace talks with the Taliban, whose 1996-2001 rule was ended by US-led troops.

"Peace is a holy process, and the US&nbsp;government and people are united with the Afghan government and people in this process," Khalilzad was quoted by Ghani's office in a statement as saying.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US&nbsp;ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, joined the US&nbsp;State Department team in September.

He is scheduled to visit Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar this week as he seeks to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.

But the Taliban, who are fighting to expel foreign forces, topple the government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law, have repeatedly rejected offers to hold peace talks or support the polls.

The Oct. 20 vote, seen by international partners as a dry run for presidential elections next year, has been hampered by chaotic preparations, allegations of fraud and ever-present fears of militant violence.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s main spokesman, said the United States was using the elections for the sole purpose of legitimising their presence and authority.

"People are given a deceptive feeling of having free right casting their votes for the malicious purpose of minimising their resentment against the foreign occupation," he said.

With less than two weeks to go before the long-delayed elections, the Taliban and Islamic State have ramped up attacks across the country.

The fighting has underlined the struggle security forces face as the insurgents have steadily extended their control over the countryside even though they have been unable to take and hold a major city.

"The real solution of the ongoing Afghan crisis lies in the complete withdrawal of all foreign occupying forces and the restoration of a pure Islamic sovereignty," said Mujahid.

Western diplomats have said the fighting raises questions about the viability of the US&nbsp;strategy to end the war, which for the past year has focused on forcing the militants, largely with more air strikes, to the negotiating table.

The Taliban on Monday directed Afghans to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections and demanded a complete withdrawal of foreign forces as the only solution to end the 17-year-old war as they ramped up attacks in strategic provinces.

The Taliban on Monday directed Afghans to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections and demanded a complete withdrawal of foreign forces as the only solution to end the 17-year-old war as they ramped up attacks in strategic provinces. The statement from the hardline Islamic militant group coincided with the visit of top US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been appointed to lead peace efforts with the Taliban. Khalilzad met President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul to strategise ways to hold Afghan-led peace talks with the Taliban, whose 1996-2001 rule was ended by US-led troops. "Peace is a holy process, and the US government and people are united with the Afghan government and people in this process," Khalilzad was quoted by Ghani's office in a statement as saying. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, joined the US State Department team in September. He is scheduled to visit Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar this week as he seeks to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table. But the Taliban, who are fighting to expel foreign forces, topple the government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law, have repeatedly rejected offers to hold peace talks or support the polls. The Oct. 20 vote, seen by international partners as a dry run for presidential elections next year, has been hampered by chaotic preparations, allegations of fraud and ever-present fears of militant violence. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s main spokesman, said the United States was using the elections for the sole purpose of legitimising their presence and authority. "People are given a deceptive feeling of having free right casting their votes for the malicious purpose of minimising their resentment against the foreign occupation," he said. With less than two weeks to go before the long-delayed elections, the Taliban and Islamic State have ramped up attacks across the country. The fighting has underlined the struggle security forces face as the insurgents have steadily extended their control over the countryside even though they have been unable to take and hold a major city. "The real solution of the ongoing Afghan crisis lies in the complete withdrawal of all foreign occupying forces and the restoration of a pure Islamic sovereignty," said Mujahid. Western diplomats have said the fighting raises questions about the viability of the US strategy to end the war, which for the past year has focused on forcing the militants, largely with more air strikes, to the negotiating table.

Taliban urge Afghans to boycott polls, reject peace talks

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced to appoint veteran diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad as the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation to lead America's efforts to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process between government and the Taliban.

"There is no one better suited for this duty than an expert diplomat like ambassador Khalilzad, who was born and raised in Afghanistan, and has previously served as the US ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United Nations, Pompeo said in a memo to State Department staff on Friday.

Under the George W Bush administration, Khalilzad had played a key role in shaping the US' Afghan policy. He was the highest ranking Muslim American in the Bush Administration.

In the memo, Pompeo said he was confident in Khalilzad's ability to execute the mission.

"I am confident in Ambassador Khalilzad's ability to execute this mission, and we are grateful for his willingness to step back into public service. As we welcome him back to the Department, let us rededicate ourselves to achieving a durable peace in Afghanistan that will ensure security for the American people," Pompeo said.

As per the memo, Khalilzad will "lead US efforts to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process" between government and the Taliban.

Khalilzad has accompanied Pompeo to Pakistan earlier this month. "Ambassador Khalilzad is going to join the State Department team to assist us in the reconciliation effort, so he will come on and be the State Department's lead person for that purpose," Pompeo had told travelling reporters on his way to Pakistan.

Pompeo had said that Khalilzad will "be full-time focused on developing the opportunities to get the Afghans and the Taliban to come to a reconciliation. That will be his singular mission statement."&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced to appoint veteran diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad as the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation to lead America's efforts to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process between government and the Taliban.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced to appoint veteran diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad as the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation to lead America's efforts to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process between government and the Taliban. "There is no one better suited for this duty than an expert diplomat like ambassador Khalilzad, who was born and raised in Afghanistan, and has previously served as the US ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United Nations, Pompeo said in a memo to State Department staff on Friday. Under the George W Bush administration, Khalilzad had played a key role in shaping the US' Afghan policy. He was the highest ranking Muslim American in the Bush Administration. In the memo, Pompeo said he was confident in Khalilzad's ability to execute the mission. "I am confident in Ambassador Khalilzad's ability to execute this mission, and we are grateful for his willingness to step back into public service. As we welcome him back to the Department, let us rededicate ourselves to achieving a durable peace in Afghanistan that will ensure security for the American people," Pompeo said. As per the memo, Khalilzad will "lead US efforts to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process" between government and the Taliban. Khalilzad has accompanied Pompeo to Pakistan earlier this month. "Ambassador Khalilzad is going to join the State Department team to assist us in the reconciliation effort, so he will come on and be the State Department's lead person for that purpose," Pompeo had told travelling reporters on his way to Pakistan. Pompeo had said that Khalilzad will "be full-time focused on developing the opportunities to get the Afghans and the Taliban to come to a reconciliation. That will be his singular mission statement."

US appoints Khalilzad as special adviser on seeking reconciliation in war-battered Afghanistan

The US should adopt a policy of &quot;total isolation&quot; against Pakistan to send a signal that it faces the prospect of becoming a &quot;second North Korea&quot; if it continues destabilising Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban and Haqqani network, a former top American diplomat has said. 
 
&quot;In the aftermath of the US drone attack killing Taliban leader Mullah Mansour, this is the time to increase the pressure by suspending all assistance to Pakistan -- military and civilian -- and move towards isolating Pakistan internationally, including not supporting IMF renewal of financial support,&quot; Zalmay Khalilzad, a former top American diplomat in the Bush Administration, told PTI. 
 
Khalilzad, who played a key role America&#39;s policy towards Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq after 9/11 terror attack, said the US should adopt a policy of &quot;total isolation&quot; against Pakistan. 
 
Such a policy, he argued would send a signal to Pakistan that it faces the prospect of becoming a &quot;second North Korea&quot; unless it changes its course on Afghanistan. 
 
Khalilzad was the highest ranking Muslim American in the history of the United States. He was the US ambassador to the United Nations under former president George W Bush. 
 
He also served as the US ambassador to Afghanistan and headed the country&#39;s diplomatic mission in Iraq. 
 
&quot;If Pakistan truly changes course, then the US should be willing to be supportive in a significant way. But we have to substantially escalate the cost of Pakistan&#39;s hostile policy in Afghanistan,&quot; he said. 
 
Khalilzad also called for retaining the current level of forces in Afghanistan and more flexible rules of engagement for US forces until the next President reviews the situation in Afghanistan and decides on a new policy. 
 
&quot;While there are some potential risks in isolating Pakistan, there are real risks with continuing the current course in Afghanistan and Pakistan,&quot; he said and called for having a contingency plan to deal with the nuclear scenario risks. 
 
&quot;In fact (US forces) being in Afghanistan would help in addressing such challenges promptly,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;The choice we have made hasn&#39;t really worked for the last 15 years in terms of changing Pakistan&#39;s two-faced policy. The time has come to adjust that policy. In my view a better option is international isolation of Pakistan,&quot; Khalilzad argued. 
 
&quot;The role that Pakistan has played....Is that of a double game. It has signalled on the one hand that it wants to be helpful to the United States in fighting terrorism and stabilising Afghanistan. But on the other hand, in reality, it has been energetically supporting the Taliban and the Haqqani network to achieve the very opposite. That has been the essence of the Pakistan policy on Afghanistan,&quot; he said. 
 
Noting that Pakistan&#39;s Afghan policy is determined by the Army and the ISI, Khalilzad said that the reason for such a policy is that they believe that by supporting the Taliban and the Haqqani network, they can achieve the goal of dominating Afghanistan. 
 
&quot;An alternative explanation is that the status quo of an unstable Afghanistan with ongoing fighting, in which they have relationship with the Taliban and the Haqqani network and key players, is seen by Pakistan as favorable to its interests. 
 
&quot;In my view they want peace and stability in Afghanistan only if the country is controlled by a group, such as the Taliban and the Haqqani network which they control or have strong influence over,&quot; he claimed. 
 
&quot;Pakistan is the landlord and the Taliban is living in the house that Pakistan owns. This gives them huge leverage. Actually the relationship is even stronger than a landlord and tenant. It is one of sponsor and sponsorees,&quot; he said. 
 
Currently, chairman of the Atlantic Council&#39;s South Asia Center&#39;s advisory board, and president of Gryphon Partnerson, Khalilzad will deliver a talk on his new book &#39;The Envoy: From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World&#39; at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi on July 1. 
 
(PTI)

He said Pakistan faces the prospect of becoming a second 'North Korea' if it continues to destabilise Afghanistan by supporting Taliban

The US should adopt a policy of "total isolation" against Pakistan to send a signal that it faces the prospect of becoming a "second North Korea" if it continues destabilising Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban and Haqqani network, a former top American diplomat has said. "In the aftermath of the US drone attack killing Taliban leader Mullah Mansour, this is the time to increase the pressure by suspending all assistance to Pakistan -- military and civilian -- and move towards isolating Pakistan internationally, including not supporting IMF renewal of financial support," Zalmay Khalilzad, a former top American diplomat in the Bush Administration, told PTI. Khalilzad, who played a key role America's policy towards Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq after 9/11 terror attack, said the US should adopt a policy of "total isolation" against Pakistan. Such a policy, he argued would send a signal to Pakistan that it faces the prospect of becoming a "second North Korea" unless it changes its course on Afghanistan. Khalilzad was the highest ranking Muslim American in the history of the United States. He was the US ambassador to the United Nations under former president George W Bush. He also served as the US ambassador to Afghanistan and headed the country's diplomatic mission in Iraq. "If Pakistan truly changes course, then the US should be willing to be supportive in a significant way. But we have to substantially escalate the cost of Pakistan's hostile policy in Afghanistan," he said. Khalilzad also called for retaining the current level of forces in Afghanistan and more flexible rules of engagement for US forces until the next President reviews the situation in Afghanistan and decides on a new policy. "While there are some potential risks in isolating Pakistan, there are real risks with continuing the current course in Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said and called for having a contingency plan to deal with the nuclear scenario risks. "In fact (US forces) being in Afghanistan would help in addressing such challenges promptly," he said. "The choice we have made hasn't really worked for the last 15 years in terms of changing Pakistan's two-faced policy. The time has come to adjust that policy. In my view a better option is international isolation of Pakistan," Khalilzad argued. "The role that Pakistan has played....Is that of a double game. It has signalled on the one hand that it wants to be helpful to the United States in fighting terrorism and stabilising Afghanistan. But on the other hand, in reality, it has been energetically supporting the Taliban and the Haqqani network to achieve the very opposite. That has been the essence of the Pakistan policy on Afghanistan," he said. Noting that Pakistan's Afghan policy is determined by the Army and the ISI, Khalilzad said that the reason for such a policy is that they believe that by supporting the Taliban and the Haqqani network, they can achieve the goal of dominating Afghanistan. "An alternative explanation is that the status quo of an unstable Afghanistan with ongoing fighting, in which they have relationship with the Taliban and the Haqqani network and key players, is seen by Pakistan as favorable to its interests. "In my view they want peace and stability in Afghanistan only if the country is controlled by a group, such as the Taliban and the Haqqani network which they control or have strong influence over," he claimed. "Pakistan is the landlord and the Taliban is living in the house that Pakistan owns. This gives them huge leverage. Actually the relationship is even stronger than a landlord and tenant. It is one of sponsor and sponsorees," he said. Currently, chairman of the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center's advisory board, and president of Gryphon Partnerson, Khalilzad will deliver a talk on his new book 'The Envoy: From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World' at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi on July 1. (PTI)

US should adopt policy of total isolation against Pakistan: former American diplomat