ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has warned the Afghan Taliban delegation of spoilers and saboteurs of the Afghan peace process, saying that Pakistan wishes for intra-Afghan peace talks to be held soon to ensure peace and stability in the region.

According to details, a delegation of Afghan Taliban led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s chief peace negotiator, met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

During the meeting, various issues of mutual interest were discussed, including recent progress in the Afghanistan peace process and the early convening of intra-Afghan talks.

The Afghan Taliban delegation briefed the Foreign Minister on latest developments in the implementation of US-Taliban peace deal while the Foreign Minister apprised the delegation about potential sabotage of the Afghan peace process.

The Afghan Taliban delegation thanked the Foreign Minister for Pakistan’s sincere support and continued efforts towards peace in Afghanistan.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan’s position from day one has been that a lasting and permanent solution to the problem is only possible through an Afghan-led dialogue.

The Foreign Minister said that as a shared responsibility, Pakistan has been playing a reconciliatory role in the Afghan peace process, which proved fruitful in the form of the Taliban-US peace agreement in Doha on February 29.

He said that we expect the Afghan leadership to take full advantage of this rare opportunity at peace in Afghanistan as a result of this agreement. Pakistan wishes for the early convening of intra-Afghan talks to ensure peace and stability in the region, he added.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have long-standing religious, historical and geographical ties. He also urged the International community to step up its efforts to bring economic stability in the war-torn country. NNI