If Islamabad doesn’t change policy towards Kabul

KABUL: The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday warned Pakistan to change its policy towards Afghanistan; otherwise, “Islamabad and Washington’s ties will not improve”.

Khalilzad made the remarks while talking to a number of youths from Bamiyan, Jawzjan and Parwan provinces in a video conference, Afghan media reported.

The US envoy said that in addition to a possible peace agreement, an agreement should be reached between Afghanistan and Pakistan based on which Pakistan should play a constructive role in Afghanistan.

“We support this and are seeking that an agreement should be reached between Afghanistan and Pakistan that can result in peace and (can stop) the interferences Pakistan has made in Afghanistan and I have been a witness of their (Pakistanis’) negative activities,” Khalilzad alleged.

“Since I have taken on the role, I have encouraged them to play a more positive role, because if they want to improve their ties with the US, their policy toward Afghanistan must change, otherwise, the US and Pakistan relations will not improve,” Khalilzad said.

Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday and so far he has held meetings with Afghan politicians, civil society members, tribal elders, local officials, women and youths to exchange views on the peace process. Khalilzad said the level violence will be decreased if a deal is reached between the Afghan government and the Taliban, but an end will not be put to the ongoing war because there are other insurgent groups like Daesh.