U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on January 31.� In his meetings with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed U.S. efforts to facilitate a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan.
He welcomed Pakistan�s ongoing efforts to support a reduction in violence that will pave the way for a U.S.-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace.� Ambassador Khalilzad also continued to emphasize the economic and security benefits that a lasting peace can bring to the region.
