Sartaj Aziz, National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, disclosed that Pakistan had facilitated the Talks between Afghan Taliban and Afghan Government officials at Urumqi a month back and was endeavoring to organize another round soon. The Taliban immediately refuted the claim while an attack on Afghan Parliament was carried out, claimed by the Taliban but ISI was blamed for the attack.
The threat of the ISIL prevailing in Afghanistan is imminent. Taliban leader Mullah Mansoor wrote a letter to Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi asking ISIL to desist from operating in Afghanistan. Reports of Iran supporting the Taliban to thwart the possible incursion of ISIL has been brought out.
The current situation of summer offensive by the Taliban, its pros and cons and prospects of peace talks, the chances of ISIL prevailing are essential considerations. The way forward for Pakistan to reduce the trust deficit and join forces with Kabul in combating terror and bring peace to the region was emphasized.
Participants:
Amb. Ayaz Wazir
Brig. Said Nazir
Rahimullah Yousufzai
Host: S. M. Hali
