ISLAMABAD: Iran has not only offered its services as a mediator but has also proposed the establishment of a reconciliation process that would involve the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, as per the reports coming from the diplomatic circles.
It has been disclosed that the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi did phone calls to the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, and the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Mutaqi. He did tell them that his country is ready to mediate between the two parties and that he has come to them with such an offer through the phone calls he made.
In his talk with Ishaq Dar, Araghchi, besides discussing the bilateral relations, also referred to the developments in the region and the international scenario. He emphasized how crucial the friendship between Pakistan and Afghanistan was but, at the same time, shared his worry about the conflict which, unfortunately, is getting worse in the two neighboring countries.
The Iranian foreign minister asked the two countries to maintain their contacts and told them that Iran would be happy to help if peace and reconciliation were the result.
According to diplomatic sources, Ishaq Dar gave a detailed account of the Pakistan-Afghanistan interactions to the Iranian side. He also reminded the necessity of peace and stability in the region. Both sides agreed verbally to continue their talks and consultations on the issue at hand.
ALSO READ: Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to continue ceasefire in Istanbul talks
Pak-Afghan talks fail, reconciliation efforts end: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, Turkey, have reached a complete deadlock.
In a discussion on a private TV program, he mentioned that there is currently no plan for the next round of talks with Afghanistan.
Khawaja Asif expressed gratitude towards Turkey and Qatar for their sincere efforts as mediators, noting that both countries are supportive of Pakistan’s position. He emphasised that the Afghan delegation insisted on verbal commitments, which he deemed insufficient.
According to Asif, final agreements made during international talks must be documented in writing. While the Afghan delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s stance during discussions, they were unwilling to put their agreement in writing.
