DOHA: Historic peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban seeking to end 19 years of war has opened in Doha, Qatar.

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani opened the negotiations at a ceremony in Doha, flanked by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Washington’s Afghanistan special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Imran Khan welcomes start of intra-Afghan talks

Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that Pakistan will continue to extend full support and solidarity with Afghan people as they marched forward in the journey for peace and development.

In a statement, he warmly welcomed the announcement for start of Intra-Afghan negotiations today, saying finally our combined efforts have brought forth the day that the Afghan people have been yearning for.

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The prime minister said through relentless efforts, Pakistan had played a pivotal role in facilitating the Afghan peace process to this juncture.

He said, “We feel deeply gratified today as we have fulfilled our part of the responsibility.” He said it was now for the Afghan leaders to seize the historic opportunity, work together constructively, and secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.

Imran Khan said successful culmination of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process was indispensable for Afghanistan, and for regional peace, stability and prosperity.

He expressed the hope that all sides will honour their respective commitments, persevere in the face of all challenges, and remain unflinchingly committed to achieving the desired outcome.